covid-19 Archives | Northwest Public Broadcasting

Studies Point To Big Drop In COVID-19 Death Rates As Hospitals Get Better At Helping People Survive

By NPR News October 20, 2020

COVID-19 mortality rates are going down, according to studies of two large hospital systems, partly thanks to improvements in treatment. Here, clinicians care for a patient in July at an El Centro, Calif., hospital. CREDIT: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Two new peer-reviewed studies are showing a sharp drop in mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The drop is seen in all groups, including older patients and those with underlying conditions, suggesting that physicians are getting better at helping patients survive their illness. Read More

‘I’m Still Unemployed’: Millions In Dire Situation As Savings Start To Run Out

By NPR News October 17, 2020

Hundreds of unemployed Kentucky residents wait in long lines outside the Kentucky Career Center in Frankfort for help with their unemployment claims on June 19. New research shows savings built up by the jobless are starting to run out. John Sommers II/Getty Images

Many unemployed Americans have been tapping into their savings to pay bills. But those savings are going fast, and hopes for a new round of pandemic relief before the election are fading. Continue Reading ‘I’m Still Read More

Wells Fargo Fires More Than 100 Employees Accused Of Coronavirus Relief Fraud

By NPR News October 15, 2020

Wells Fargo has fired more than 100 employees whom it says personally defrauded a pandemic relief program from the Small Business Administration. CREDIT: Scott Olson/Getty Images

The employees' alleged actions were outside of their work responsibilities and do not involve Wells Fargo's customers, the company said. The bank says it's cooperating with law enforcement. Continue Reading Wells Fargo Fires More Read More

Governor Inslee Moves Remaining Washington Counties To Phase 2; Whitman County Adds Deaths

By Scott Leadingham October 13, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Tuesday, Oct. 13, that the remaining Washington counties, all in central Washington, could advance to Phase 2 of the state's four-phase plan. CREDIT: TVW

No more Washington counties will be in Phase 1 of the state’s four-phase reopening plan. Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that Chelan, Douglas, Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties could advance to Phase 2. Continue Reading Read More

China Joins WHO-Led Global Coronavirus Vaccine Effort As U.S. Sits It Out

By NPR News October 13, 2020

A worker feeds vials for production of a vaccine for COVID-19 at the SinoVac vaccine factory in Beijing. China said on Friday that it is joining the COVID-19 vaccine alliance known as COVAX. Ng Han Guan/AP

The Chinese foreign ministry said it took this step "to uphold the concept of a shared community of health for all and to honor its commitment to turn COVID-19 vaccines into a global public good." Continue Reading China Joins WHO-Led Read More

COVID-19 Cases Rise At University Of Idaho, But School Will Stay With Hybrid Classes

By NWPB News October 5, 2020

Coronavirus cases are rising at the University of Idaho, but face-to-face classes will continue. The University of Idaho reported another 116 new coronavirus cases on campus last week. The outbreak still seems to be centered on fraternity and sorority houses. Read More

‘Don’t Be Afraid Of It’: Trump Dismisses Coronavirus Threat As He Returns To White House

By NPR News October 5, 2020

President Trump walks out of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., on Monday evening before heading back to the White House. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump walked out of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday evening, planning on receiving the remainder of his treatment for COVID-19 at the White House. Continue Reading ‘Don’t Be Read More

President To Leave Hospital; Doctors Say He’s Not ‘Entirely Out Of The Woods Yet’

By NPR News October 5, 2020

President Trump participates in a conference call Sunday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Tia Dufour/The White House via Getty Images

President Trump has tweeted that he will leave Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he has been receiving treatment for COVID-19, on Monday evening. His doctors later reiterated that it was safe for him to return to the White House but that his treatment regimen is ongoing. Read More

Doctors Say President Trump Being Treated With Antiviral, Steroid; Could Leave Hospital Monday

By NPR News October 4, 2020

White House physician Sean Conley updates the press on the health status of President Trump on Sunday, Oct. 4. CREDIT: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump has experienced two drops in his oxygen levels over the course of his COVID-19 diagnosis, and is now also being treated with a steroid, but could be discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as early as Monday, his physicians told reporters during a briefing Sunday. Read More

Michigan Supreme Court Rules Against Governor’s Emergency Coronavirus Authority

By NPR News October 3, 2020

Michigan's Supreme Court ruled Friday that Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (pictured here on Sept. 16) does not have the authority to extend a state of emergency past April 30. Whitmer had cited two state laws that allowed her to maintain the state's coronavirus measures via executive order. CREDIT: AP

The state's Supreme Court said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lacked the authority to extend a state of emergency past April 30. Whitmer had cited two state laws in extending her emergency declarations. Continue Reading Michigan Supreme Read More

President Trump’s Doctor Says He’s ‘Doing Very Well,’ But Source Calls Next 48 Hours ‘Critical’

By NPR News October 3, 2020

White House physician Dr. Sean Conley, with medical staff, gives an update on the condition of President Trump on Saturday at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump is "doing very well," his physician told reporters on Saturday morning, but a source familiar with the president's health later told White House pool reporters, that "the president's vitals over the last 24 hours were very concerning." Read More

President’s Case Highlights Importance Of Masks. Here’s How To Maker Safer DIY Face Coverings

By NPR News October 2, 2020

Face masks aren't a panacea that will prevent all transmission of the coronavirus or end any pandemic. But combined with social distancing, testing and good hand hygiene, they can be very effective in driving down transmission rates. CREDIT: NPR video

Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in July, "Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting." Read More

What A Positive Coronavirus Test Means For President Trump’s Health

By NPR News October 2, 2020

President Trump shakes hands with now-former White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson in January 2018 following his first medical checkup as president. Carolyn Kaster/AP

President Trump and the first lady have contracted the coronavirus. At 74, Trump could be at risk of developing serious complications from the virus. Continue Reading What A Positive Coronavirus Test Means For President Trump’s Read More

President Trump And First Lady Test Positive For COVID-19

By NPR News October 1, 2020

President Trump and First Lady Melania, depart the White House Tuesday for the first televised presidential debate. The president announced early Friday that he and the first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus. CREDIT: The Washington Post/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The positive test result followed Trump's announcement on Fox News Thursday night that White House aide Hope Hicks had tested positive for the coronavirus. Hicks is a close associate of the Trumps. Continue Reading President Trump And First Lady Test Read More

Once Most Impacted Washington Counties, Yakima And Tri-Cities Look Toward Schools Reopening

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa September 29, 2020

Pre-K students at Boise’s Garfield Elementary School work on writing their names. CREDIT: Sami Edge/Idaho Education News

Some Washington counties hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic are now looking toward the possibility of reopening schools for in-person classes. It’s thanks to metrics like hospital bed capacity and the virus incidence rate that continue to improve in Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties. Read More

COVID-19 Daily Cases On The Rise In Nearly Half Of U.S. States

By NPR News September 28, 2020

New coronavirus infections are on the rise in the U.S., with cases surpassing 7 million this week. Some two dozen states reported increases in new infections, with a handful of states marking new daily records. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

The U.S. reported more than 55,000 infections Friday, pushing the total number of cases to more than 7 million. Some two dozen states saw new cases continue to rise this past week. Continue Reading COVID-19 Daily Cases On The Rise In Nearly Half Read More

United Airlines Says It Will Offer Certain Travelers Coronavirus Tests At The Airport

By NPR News September 24, 2020

United Airlines baggage tags are displayed on a table at San Francisco International Airport. The carrier says it's starting a pilot program next month that will offer rapid coronavirus testing at the airport or via a self-collected, mail-in test ahead of a flight. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A pilot program on flights from San Francisco to Hawaii would give on-the-spot tests for the virus that causes COVID-19. Travelers who test negative would not be required to quarantine upon arrival. Continue Reading United Read More

From Pullman To Ellensburg To Bellingham, College Towns Feel The Coronavirus Economic Slump

By NWPB News September 24, 2020

The Cougar Cottage in Pullman, known widely just as "The Coug," is a staple for students, staff and alumni during the year, especially football season and celebrating big events like graduation. It's been open as it could during the pandemic, with safety measures in place. Courtesy of The Cougar Cottage

Online classes and no fall college sports spell trouble for Washington college towns like Pullman, Ellensburg and Bellingham that lean on a higher education-fueled economy. Continue Reading From Pullman To Ellensburg Read More

Met Opera Says It Won’t Return Until Fall 2021

By NPR News September 23, 2020

A view of the Metropolitan Opera ticketing office in 2018. CREDIT: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Opera fans will have to wait another whole year for live performances at the famed New York house. In a press release Wednesday, the Metropolitan Opera says it plans to reopen on Sept. 27, 2021. Continue Reading Met Opera Says It Won’t Return Until Fall Read More

CDC’s Halloween Guidelines Warn Against Typical Trick-Or-Treating

By NPR News September 22, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for a safe Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic include new methods of doing classic spooky activities. CREDIT: ArtMarie/Getty Images

Door-to-door trick-or-treating and crowded costume parties are out, and haunted forests and outdoor movie nights are in. "If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised," the CDC says. Continue Reading CDC’s Halloween Read More

NFL Hits 3 Coaches And Teams, Including Seahawks, With Large Fines For Not Wearing Face Masks

By NPR News September 22, 2020

The NFL has fined San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and two other coaches for not following rules about keeping their faces covered. Here, Shanahan walks off the field after his team's Sept. 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals. MSA/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The coaches include Pete Carroll, Kyle Shanahan and Vic Fangio. League rules state that anyone in the bench area "shall be required to wear masks at all times." Continue Reading NFL Hits 3 Coaches And Teams, Including Read More

‘Enormous And Tragic’: U.S. Has Lost More Than 200,000 People To COVID-19

By NPR News September 22, 2020

The U.S. hit a tragic milestone Tuesday, recording more than 200,000 coronavirus deaths. Here, Chris Duncan, whose mother, Constance, 75, died from COVID-19 on her birthday, visits a COVID Memorial Project installation of 20,000 American flags on the National Mall. The flags are on the grounds of the Washington Monument, facing the White House. Win McNamee/Getty Images

The U.S. death toll has doubled since May. Some experts predict it could nearly double again before 2020 ends. "We are experiencing a tremendous amount of unnecessary suffering," one researcher says. Continue Reading ‘Enormous And Read More

Advances In ICU Care Are Saving More Patients Who Have COVID-19

By NPR News September 21, 2020

Niticia Mpanga, a registered respiratory therapist, checks on an ICU patient at Oakbend Medical Center in Richmond, Texas. The mortality rates from COVID-19 in ICUs have been decreasing worldwide, doctors say, at least partly because of recent advances in treatment. Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

One thing that has improved a lot over the course of the pandemic is treatment of seriously ill COVID-19 patients in intensive care units. Here's one man's success story. Continue Reading Advances In ICU Care Are Saving More Patients Who Have Read More

Why Can’t America Make Enough N95 Masks? 6 Months Into Pandemic, Shortages Persist

By NPR News September 17, 2020

Earlier this year, Monster City Studios, a company that normally makes amusement park and movie props, pivoted to manufacturing MCS face shields with forehead protection. It was one of many small companies to make the switch. CREDIT: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

There's just not enough PPE to satisfy demand. Medics are re-using masks and small practices can't even find supplies they can afford. Some domestic manufacturers could help, but it's a risky move. Continue Reading Why Read More

Pullman Updates City Code To Allow Ticketing Party Attendees As COVID-19 Cases Climb

By NWPB News September 15, 2020

Washington State University sign - Pullman

On Tuesday night, the Pullman City Council updated municipal code to allow police to ticket individual party attendees – not just hosts. A first offense will cost $250. A second will be $500 with a mandatory court appearance. (See the full ordinance change here.) Read More

A COVID-19 Vaccine May Be Only 50% Effective. Is That Good Enough?

By NPR News September 14, 2020

As we get closer to a COVID-19 vaccine, it's exciting to imagine a day when the virus is gone. But a vaccine will not be a magic bullet. In fact, it may be only about 50% effective.

Scientists are racing to develop a vaccine that proves "safe and effective." It may not prevent infection in everyone who gets it, but it still could eventually stop the pandemic. Here's how. Continue Reading A COVID-19 Vaccine May Be Only 50% Read More

Pullman COVID-19 Cases Continue Rapid Climb. WSU President And Governor Very Concerned

By Scott Leadingham September 13, 2020

Washington State University decided in late July that this fall semester would be entirely online. But thousands of students are still in Pullman. President Kirk Schulz says the university is very concerned about the rapid increase in cases. Read More

57 People Face Federal Charges Of Defrauding Coronavirus Relief Program

By NPR News September 11, 2020

The Justice Department has accused 57 people of defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program. A portion of the program's application is shown here. CREDIT: Wayne Partlow/AP

Prosecutors say those charged attempted to steal more than $175 million from the Paycheck Protection Program, which is meant to provide relief to small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Continue Reading 57 People Face Federal Charges Read More

How Can You Tell If A COVID-19 Vaccine Is Working?

By NPR News September 8, 2020

A scientist at work on a COVID-19 vaccine candidate at Bogazici University in Istanbul in August. Onur Coban/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Several COVID-19 vaccine candidates are being tested now. But why does it take 30,000 volunteers to know if one is safe and effective? And what does it mean to say a vaccine candidate is working? Continue Reading How Can You Tell If A COVID-19 Vaccine Is Read More

For One Olympia Family, Going Back To School Means Rolling Up The Garage Door

By Austin Jenkins September 5, 2020

A few Ikea shelves and desks, rugs and a temporary plywood wall is what it took for the Swanson family to turn their garage into a classroom for four of their six children, plus two foster children.

It was common through the 1800s for American school children to attend a one-room schoolhouse. In 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the Swanson family in rural north Olympia will attend a one-garage schoolhouse. Continue Read More

Can I Blame It On … The Dog? Looking Into Just How I Got Sick With COVID-19

By Anna King September 4, 2020

Anna King keeps walking every day to gain more strength and endurance. Now she can make it around her block slowly. Before COVID-19, she was walking five miles quickly on her lunch breaks. CREDIT: Anna King/N3

I recently wrote about my nearly two-months as a COVID-19 longhauler. And the number one question I heard was: “How did you get it?” So I decided to dig into the possibilities. Turns out, there are four likely ways I could have picked up the virus: husband, dog, surfaces or the air. Read More

CDC Asks States To Plan For Potential Vaccine Distribution Starting In Late October

By NPR News September 3, 2020

With development and testing underway, health officials are asking states to prepare for limited distribution of a potential vaccine as soon as this fall — though some experts say that's too early. CREDIT: Hans Pennink/AP

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has asked states to prepare to distribute a potential coronavirus vaccine as soon as late October, according to a series of planning documents sent to public health officials last week. Continue Reading CDC Asks States To Plan For Potential Vaccine Read More

University Of Idaho, With In-Person Classes, Reports COVID-19 Cases, But Not Like In Nearby Pullman

By Scott Leadingham September 2, 2020

On Monday, Aug. 31, the Moscow-based school reported 24 COVID-19 cases. That’s from over 2,300 recent tests on students and staff. Unlike in nearby Pullman across the border, Moscow has not seen a huge spike in cases. Washington State University is responding to a recent surge – more than 300 cases in Pullman in the past 10 days. Read More

6 Million Coronavirus Infections Now Confirmed In U.S., With Actual Count Likely Much Higher

By NPR News August 31, 2020

People stand in line for free COVID-19 testing at Bellevue Hospital in New York earlier this month. The daily number of new coronavirus cases reported in the U.S. has remained stubbornly high. CREDIT: Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

Although daily COVID-19 deaths have fallen somewhat in recent days, the number of infections has continued to rise in many places with no end in sight. Continue Reading 6 Million Coronavirus Infections Now Confirmed In Read More

Experts Fear CDC’s Changed Guidelines Could Lead To Less COVID-19 Testing

By NPR News August 26, 2020

Testing contacts of those with confirmed cases of the coronavirus is a common public health practice. New CDC guidelines make it optional. CREDIT: David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The agency now says contacts of people with COVID-19 don't necessarily need to get tested. Public health experts say less testing of potential carriers could lead to more spread of the disease. Continue Reading Experts Fear CDC’s Read More

Large Crowds, Protesters Turn Out For Opening Day Of Idaho’s Special Legislative Session

By NWPB News August 25, 2020

A large crowd of onlookers and protesters, most not wearing masks, some open carrying firearms, gathered in the Idaho Capitol in Boise for the state's special legislative session that began Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. CREDIT: Sami Edge/Idaho Education News

Large crowds of protesters and onlookers descended on the Statehouse Monday as legislators convened for a rare special session. The House and Senate met in person to address three issues that Gov. Brad Little outlined when he called the special session, which is officially referred to as an extraordinary session. Read More

Coronavirus FAQ: So Do Lots Of People Get COVID-19 From Flying?

By NPR News August 24, 2020

A flight attendant adjusts protective glasses. There has been little documentation about COVID-19 transmission on planes. CREDIT: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

A study released this week points to two passengers infected on a four-hour-plus flight. But there hasn't been a lot of documentation of transmission on planes. So how risky is flying? Continue Reading Coronavirus FAQ: So Do Lots Of People Get Read More

New Research Suggests In-Person Voting May Be Less Risky Than Previously Thought

By NPR News August 22, 2020

A man checks to cast his ballot in Kenosha, Wis., on April 7. A new study suggests that in-person voting in that Wisconsin primary did not produce a surge of new coronavirus cases. CREDIT: Kamil Krzaczynski /AFP via Getty Images

The report concludes Wisconsin voters who braved the pandemic and went to the polls in April did not see a surge in COVID-19 infections, although another study reaches the opposite conclusion. Continue Reading New Research Read More

Once The Center Of Pandemic In Washington, Yakima Shows ‘Significant Decline’ In Cases

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa August 20, 2020

File photo. Gov. Jay Inslee visited Yakima, shown here on June 16, 2020, as the county's coronavirus numbers continued to grow at a rate that suggested it would be hard for it to move beyond Phase 1 of reopening. The Health District then issued a masking directive to encourage more use of face coverings. Courtesy of Governor's Office

In June, the Yakima Health District was reporting as many as 200 new COVID-19 cases per day. Now, daily cases are in the 20s since Sunday, Aug. 16. Gov. Jay Inslee says the county’s early masking directive is the likely cause. Read More

U.S. – Canada Border Restrictions Extended, Forcing Big Changes To Lives In Washington And B.C.

By Tom Banse August 19, 2020

Peace Arch Park reportedly is the scene of lots of weddings this summer featuring Canadian-American couples seeking to ease their border crossing status.

The months-long closure of the U.S.-Canada border to non-essential crossings has been extended again. The border crossing restrictions will last at least until late September, probably longer, due to the pandemic. The outlook is leading people who used to cross regularly to make major life changes. Read More

CDC Study Finds Latinx Employees Hit Disproportionately Hard By Workplace Outbreaks

By NPR News August 17, 2020

A COVID-19 test is collected in Salt Lake City, Utah. A federal study published Monday found that Hispanic and non-white workers make up a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases associated with workplace outbreaks in Utah. CREDIT: Rick Bowmer/AP

A study out Monday found that Hispanic and nonwhite workers made up 73% of cases associated with workplace outbreaks in certain industries, despite representing 24% of the workforce in those sectors. Continue Reading CDC Read More

Rural Schools In Idaho (And All Over) Struggle With Road Ahead In Era Of Coronavirus

By NPR News August 17, 2020

Third grade teacher Maya Davis attends training before her school district reopens. CREDIT: Kirk Siegler/NPR

Some schools across the country are under pressure to reopen for in-person classes, even in states like Idaho where coronavirus cases continue to rise out of control. Continue Reading Rural Schools In Idaho (And All Over) Read More

How Should I Cover My Face? A Deeper Look Into Neck Gaiters And Face Shields

By NPR News August 16, 2020

A fan wears a neck gaiter as he watches the Los Angeles Dodgers play at home against the San Francisco Giants last week. Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Experts look into a new study that claims wearing a neck gaiter may be worse than no mask at all. And they discuss other face coverings such as goggles and plastic face shields. Continue Reading How Should I Cover My Face? A Deeper Read More

CDC Director Robert Redfield Warns This Fall Could Be The Worst Ever For Public Health

By NPR News August 13, 2020

Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is calling on Americans to do their part to contain the coronavirus as flu season comes into view. Kevin Dietsch/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

In an interview with WebMD, CDC Director Robert Redfield warned of the dual threat of the coronavirus and flu season. He urged Americans to follow COVID-19 health guidance and get the flu vaccine. Continue Reading CDC Read More

Governor Visits Brewster As Farmworker COVID Cases Spike In Okanogan County

By Courtney Flatt August 13, 2020

File photo. Brewster, in Okanogan County, shown here in 2013, is one of the primary areas of north-central Washington's tree-fruit industry -- for growing, packing and shipping. CREDIT: Jessica Robinson/N3

Many of the county’s cases have spread in the small town of Brewster, where there is a large tree-fruit growing, packing and shipping industry. According to public health officials, there have been 885 positive cases in Okanogan County –– 518 in Brewster. Read More

Lives Cut Short: Remembering Health Care Workers In Their 20s Killed By COVID-19

By NPR News August 13, 2020

Siblings Jasmine and Josh Obra both tested positive for the coronavirus on the same day. Only one of them survived. Courtesy of the Obra family

While most people who die from COVID-19 are over 65, health care workers who die are often younger. Here are stories of some who died in their 20s, leaving shattered dreams and devastated families. Continue Reading Lives Cut Read More

She Followed Rules And Took COVID Seriously. But Now An Olympia Gym Owner Is ‘Freaking Pissed’

By Austin Jenkins August 13, 2020

Tiffany Krueger, owner of Athena Fitness and Wellness in Olympia, says the governor's new 17-foot distancing rule for fitness clubs is unfair and could put her out of business. Courtesy of Tiffany Krueger

On Aug. 3, Gov. Inslee announced new rules for indoor fitness studios and gyms that nearly tripled the required spacing between class participants from six feet to 17 feet. Krueger expressed her frustration in a 4-minute video she posted to Instagram. “I have to say that I am freaking pissed,” she said in the video. “We’re unable to pay our bills with these mandates; that Read More

Is Singing Together Safe In The Era Of Coronavirus? Not Really, Experts Say

By NPR News August 11, 2020

The Young People's Chorus of New York City, performing back in better times. CREDIT: Alexey Konkov/Courtesy of the artists

Schools, faith and community groups as well as professional musicians are all struggling with the risks of singing. Experts present the most recent research and offer strategies to mitigate the risks. Continue Reading Is Singing Read More

Global Coronavirus Case Count Surpasses 20 Million

By NPR News August 10, 2020

A mural in Chennai, India, celebrates workers on the front lines against the coronavirus pandemic. The global case count crossed the 20 million threshold on Monday, with the U.S., Brazil and India in the lead. Arun Sankar/AFP via Getty Images

According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 20 million people worldwide have tested positive for the virus. The milestone comes almost exactly five months after the WHO declared it a pandemic. Continue Reading Global Coronavirus Case Count Surpasses 20 Read More

Washington Firefighter Quarantining With COVID; It’s A Test Of Safety Plan Ahead Of Wildfire Weather

By Courtney Flatt August 10, 2020

Thinning, mowing and prescribed fire are used in Ponderosa pine forests to maintain an open forest floor. CREDIT: Jes Burns/OPB/EarthFix

The firefighter contracted COVID-19 outside of the fire camp. He tested positive after he left the fire. The firefighter came into contact with 14 others, who have now been quarantined and aren’t showing symptoms right now, according to the DNR. This year, fire camps have been kept smaller and more spaced out – to help prevent widespread outbreaks. Read More