40th coronavirus death reported in Tri-Cities area. New cases increase by just 2% to 740
Another death in the Tri-Cities area from complications of COVID-19 brings the total to 40 since the start of the outbreak.
Just 13 new cases were reported on Wednesday in Benton and Franklin counties, an increase of about 2 percent, for a total of 740 confirmed and probable cases.
The number of people hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in the two counties dropped from 47 to 42. They account for 13 percent of cases in the hospitals in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco and Prosser.
The most recent death was a Benton County woman in her 90s.
Most of those who have died — 36 people — have been Benton County residents.
The Washington state Department of Health reports four deaths in Franklin County residents, with the Benton Franklin Health District yet to confirm one of those deaths as it checks details on the death certificates.
All deaths reported by the local health district have been in people 60 or older, who are at higher risk from the new coronavirus. All who died, including two people in their 50s, had underlying health conditions.
At least 29 deaths have been associated with Tri-Cities retirement centers or long-term care homes, with 214 cases total reported at the facilities. Additional cases in several of the facilities are suspected by the Benton Franklin Health District.
A 12th facility for seniors in the Tri-Cities had a case reported by the local health district on Wednesday. Brookdale Meadow Springs in Richland, which offers independent and assisted living, had its first case.
Hawthorne Court in Kennewick also had two new cases reported on Wednesday for a total of six there.
Cases at the 12 facilities may be in residents or staff.
The number of cases since the start of the outbreak in healthcare workers increased by two to 126 on Wednesday. The workers may hold jobs at hospitals, clinics or long-term care homes.
No new cases were reported on Wednesday in Benton and Franklin County residents associated with the Tyson Fresh Meats beef packing plant in Wallula, which is south of Pasco.
The death of a worker for the Tyson plant has yet to be added to the total deaths related to the new coronavirus reported for Benton County.
The latest count is 101 people infected in the workplace outbreak, including one new case in Walla Walla County.
Most live in Benton and Franklin counties, with the rest in Walla Walla and Umatilla counties.
This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 1:57 PM.