Tri-Cities coronavirus cases spike as counties apply to reopen. 2 more deaths
Two more deaths from complications of COVID-19 were reported by the Benton Franklin Health District on Friday and the number of cases spiked by 57.
Total known cases are now at 1,920.
The Tri-Cities area was able to get its new daily case count down to numbers in the teens and 20s every day but one from May 4-27.
The daily number then jumped up to the 40s for most of the days in early June and then to the 50s on Friday.
Total new known cases, all confirmed by testing, include 36 in Benton County and 21 in Franklin County on Friday.
The Washington state Department of Health has set targets for new cases that will be considered as Benton and Franklin counties apply to move to Phase 2 of reopening businesses.
The target, based on population, is set at no more than 50 confirmed cases total over two weeks in Benton County and 24 total over two weeks in Franklin County.
Benton and Franklin counties plan to submit applications to the state to move to Phase 2 next week, but will include proposals that are intended to decrease the case count.
They include a new directive from the county health officer for residents of both counties to wear face coverings in most public settings starting Monday, June 8.
No enforcement action is planned for those who do not wear masks.
At least part of the increase in cases is linked to large gatherings in recent weeks, including on Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekends, said Rick Dawson, a senior manager of the Benton Franklin Health District, on Thursday.
Public health officials have had reports of family gatherings, social gatherings and people gathering to play soccer, volleyball and softball.
Dr. Amy Person, the Benton Franklin Health District officer, said on Friday that the district also was seeing cases linked to businesses that are considered essential and that have remained open.
Coronavirus deaths
The most recent deaths were a woman in her 60s and a man in his 80s, both Benton County residents. They were at risk of severe illness from infection with the coronavirus both because of their age and also because of underlying health conditions.
They bring the total deaths in March to 86, with 69 in Benton County residents and 17 in Franklin County residents.
There now have been four deaths reported in June.
In May there were 32 deaths reported, down from 44 deaths in April. Six deaths were announced in March.
The number of deaths linked to long-term care homes and retirement communities increased by one to 62 on Friday. Those account for 72% of coronavirus deaths in the Tri-Cities area.
Coronvirus cases
The new known cases of COVID-19 reported on Friday include two more healthcare workers, bringing the total infected in the Tri-Cities area since March to 227.
The number of patients being treated for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 was down to 55 on Friday. It had increased from 57 to 59 from Wednesday to Thursday.
The number is up from 35 patients 11 days ago.
Those currently hospitalized account for 18% of hospital patients in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco and Prosser.
The Washington state Department of Health reports that 220 residents of Benton and Franklin counties have been hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
Total known local cases include 895 confirmed cases in Benton County and 718 in Franklin County. Probable cases bring the total to 1,065 cases in Benton County and 855 in Franklin County.
No test results are available for probable cases, but patients had symptoms and close contact with confirmed cases.
This story was originally published June 5, 2020 at 3:05 PM.