More coronavirus cases in Eastern Washington.  Patients in Yakima and Columbia counties

Cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Yakima and Columbia counties in Eastern Washington

Previously, cases had been reported in Grant and Kittitas counties.

The Yakima Health District said Wednesday evening that it had two cases in the county and both of those patients were isolated.

Columbia County Public Health said that a resident who was older than 60 tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday.

The person had traveled overseas, where they are presumed to have been exposed. They not visited any store or attended any community events since returning home. They are recovering at home.

Another person in Columbia County is on home isolation, according to Columbia County Public Health.

Health officials consider the community at large in the county to be at low risk of exposure, but should take precautions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 and influenza, health officials said.

There still are no confirmed cases as of Thursday morning in the Tri-Cities area.

The only death reported in Eastern Washington has been an elderly Grant County patient.

State death toll rises

Coronavirus is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s possible to catch the disease COVID-19 by touching something that has the virus on it, and then touching your own face, “but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath, which may occur two days to two weeks after exposure. The disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.

The death toll from the virus in Washington state increased by five on Wednesday to 29.

The number of people testing positive for the virus jumped by nearly 100, from 267 to 366 in 12 counties. Nearly two-thirds of the cases and all but three of the deaths were in King County.

A number of events in the Tri-Cities and Washington state are being canceled or postponed is hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

Here’s a list that will continue to be updated as information becomes available.

This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 9:49 AM.