Olympia, Puyallup among cities with ‘very high’ COVID viral activity levels
The start of school is around the corner for many Washington students — just as COVID-19 cases are surging across the state.
Among the areas with “very high” viral activity: Olympia and Puyallup, according to a data map on the state health department’s website.
Counties with very high levels of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, include Thurston, Skagit, Snohomish, Grant and Whitman counties, the data last updated on Aug. 20 shows. Meanwhile, Pierce, King, Benton and Franklin counties were among those with “high” levels.
Wastewater can be used to identify and track SARS-CoV-2 trends because people can shed it in their feces, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) explains.
The latest state COVID-19 vaccination data for the 2024-25 season, reported as of June 30, indicates that 18.9% of Washingtonians were vaccinated with at least one dose.
A DOH news release urges parents and families to ensure their kids are updated on their vaccines ahead of the start of school. Last school year’s immunization rates were on par with the previous year’s, although the state’s overall childhood vaccination rates have foundered since the pandemic.
Ensuring that students are up to date on required vaccines is among the best ways to safeguard their health and keep them in class, Jamilia Sherls, director of DOH’s Office of Immunization, said in a July 14 news release.
“These vaccines help prevent illness, reduce missed school days, and protect classmates, teachers and family members — keeping our communities safer,” Sherls said.
Infections are climbing in most states, especially in the South and the West, according to TODAY.com. COVID-related trips to the emergency room are also increasing across all ages, young kids included.
That rise isn’t a surprise to many health experts; the virus has seen an uptick each summer since the start of the pandemic.
The latest XFG “Stratus” variant is reportedly spreading rapidly, making up some 65% of wastewater samples nationwide as of Aug. 9.
Stratus symptoms seem on par with other omicron variants, including sore throat, congestion or runny nose, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and more, according to TODAY.com. Some have nicknamed it the “razor blade” variant, although past variants have also led to sore, painful throats.
This story was originally published August 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Olympia, Puyallup among cities with ‘very high’ COVID viral activity levels."
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