pandemic Archives | Northwest Public Broadcasting

U.S. Coronavirus Cases Dropped Dramatically Since January, But Can We Keep Them Down?

By NPR News February 27, 2021

pedestrians walk pas an outdoor dining outside patio

With coronavirus infections on a steady, six weeks long descent in the U.S., it's clear the worst days of the brutal winter surge have waned. Yet researchers are still not sure how sustainable the decline is. And a small but concerning uptick in cases in the last three days has health officials on edge. Read More

‘A Loss To The Whole Society’: U.S. COVID-19 Death Toll Reaches 500,000

By NPR News February 22, 2021

On Jan. 19, the incoming Biden administration hosted memorial to lives lost to COVID-19 at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. Since then another 100,000 Americans have died. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

This week President Biden is asking Americans to mark the 500,000 deaths with a moment of silence at sunset Monday. He's also ordered flags on all federal buildings lowered to half-staff for five days. Continue Reading ‘A Loss To The Read More

When Does COVID-19 Become A Disability? ‘Long-Haulers’ Push For Answers, And Benefits

By NPR News February 22, 2021

Jodee Pineau-Chaisson sits in her office in Springfield, Mass. on January 12, 2021. Pineau-Chaisson, a social worker, contracted the coronavirus last May and continues to have symptoms even months after testing negative for the virus. Meredith Nierman/GBH News

So-called long-haulers are people who survive COVID-19 but have symptoms – sometimes debilitating symptoms – many months later. As scientists scramble to explain what is going on and figure out how to help, disability advocates are also scrambling: They are trying to figure out whether long-haulers will qualify for disability benefits. Read More

White House: China And WHO Need To ‘Step Up’ On Investigation Into Origin Of Pandemic

By NPR News February 21, 2021

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, seen here during a press briefing on Feb. 4, told CBS the World Health Organization has more work to do to get to the bottom of where the coronavirus emerged. CREDIT: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

President Biden's national security adviser said Sunday that the administration has concerns over the data China has provided to the World Health Organization regarding the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading Read More

Where Are They Now? We Check In With Broadway Workers, Now Off Broadway Nearly A Year

By NPR News February 20, 2021

Every year, as a set-up for the Tony Awards, we take you backstage to meet people who aren't even eligible. These are Broadway's essential workers – ushers, stage managers, costumers. But this year, the Tonys seem like a faraway dream; even though nominations for the shortened season were announced in October, no date has been set. So, I decided to check in with some of Read More

Governor Signs $2.2B COVID Relief Package For Washington Schools, Businesses, Renters, Immigrants

By Austin Jenkins February 19, 2021

Wash. Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday that two regions of the state will be moving into Phase 2 on Monday.

A fresh round of federal aid will soon be flowing to Washington businesses and individuals hit hard by the COVID pandemic. On Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a $2.2 billion relief package funded with money approved by Congress in December. Read More

Report: American Life Expectancy Dropped By A Full Year In 1st Half Of 2020

By NPR News February 18, 2021

Patrice Howard writes on white flags before planting them to remember her recently deceased father and close friends in November at "IN AMERICA How Could This Happen...," a public art installation in Washington, D.C. Led by artist Suzanne Firstenberg, volunteers planted white flags in a field to symbolize each life lost to COVID-19 in the U.S. CREDIT: Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

The average U.S. life expectancy dropped by a year in the first half of 2020, according to a new report from the National Center for Health Statistics, a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continue Reading Report: Read More

Virologist: WHO Team Found No ‘Credible Link’ Between Wuhan Labs, COVID-19

By NPR News February 16, 2021

Marion Koopmans was part of a WHO team that traveled to Wuhan to investigate the start of the coronavirus pandemic. She tells NPR that the Wuhan seafood market was "not the whole story." Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images

The WHO team's main public conclusion so far is that it's "extremely unlikely" that the virus originated in a lab in Wuhan. The scientists think the virus most likely started in bats, then jumped to other animals, then to humans. Continue Read More

Washington Scrambles To Avoid Mass Evictions As Moratorium Nears End

By NWPB News February 9, 2021

Arianna Laureano outside of her boyfriend’s Seattle home on Feb. 3, 2021. Laureano has been relying on Washington’s eviction moratorium, which is set to end on March 31. CREDIT: Dorothy Edwards/Crosscut

After Gov. Jay Inslee extended the moratorium multiple times, most lawmakers, lobbyists and advocates expect March 31 will mark its true end — at least at the state level. Then the question of what will happen to renters without the moratorium’s blunt relief will go from hypothetical to very much real. Read More

Why The Pandemic Is 10 Times Worse Than You Think

By NWPB News February 7, 2021

A nurse puts on personal protective equipment last month as she prepares to treat a COVID-19 patient last month at a rural Missouri hospital. CREDIT: Jeff Roberson/AP

Ever since the coronavirus reached the U.S., officials and citizens alike have gauged the severity of the spread by tracking one measure in particular: How many new cases are confirmed through testing each day. However, it has been clear all along that this number is an understatement because of testing shortfalls. Read More

‘Just Cruel’: Digital Race For COVID-19 Vaccines Leaves Many Seniors Behind

By NPR News February 5, 2021

Seniors and first responders try to snag one of 800 doses available at a vaccination site in Fort Myers, Fla. Octavio Jones/Getty Images

With millions of older Americans eligible for COVID-19 vaccines and limited supplies, many continue to describe a frantic and frustrating search to secure a shot, beset by uncertainty and difficulty. The efforts to vaccinate people who are 65 and older have strained under the enormous demand that has overwhelmed cumbersome, inconsistent scheduling systems. Read More

A Rocky Road On The Way To Herd Immunity For COVID-19

By NPR News February 3, 2021

People line up for drive-through COVID-19 vaccination at Coors Field baseball stadium in Denver on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Chet Strange/AFP via Getty Images

Scientists estimate that somewhere between 70% and 85% of people need to be immune from the coronavirus before the disease will wane through a process known as herd immunity. Both natural immunity and vaccines can play a role in achieving that goal. But getting there won't be easy. Read More

Governor Advances Idaho Into Next Phase Of Reopening, Citing Declining COVID Case Rates

By Doug Nadvornick February 2, 2021

Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced a statewide pullback to a modified Phase 2 of reopening on Nov. 13, 2020. But he declined to issue a mask mandate, as most other states in the region have done in some form. CREDIT: Idaho Public Television/Governor's Office

Idaho Gov. Brad Little says his state will move from Stage 2 to Stage 3 in its coronavirus reopening protocol. Little announced Tuesday that groups of up to 50 may now gather, as long as they take precautions with masks and physical distancing. Read More

Child Psychiatrists Warn That The Pandemic May Be Driving Up Kids’ Suicide Risk

By NPR News February 2, 2021

Las Vegas school class of 2020 in chalk in parking lot

In recent months, many suicidal children have been showing up in hospital emergency departments, and more kids are needing in-patient care after serious suicide attempts. "Across the country, we're hearing that there are increased numbers of serious suicidal attempts and suicidal deaths," says Dr. Susan Duffy, a professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at Brown Read More

U.S. Makes $231 Million Deal To Provide 15-Minute COVID-19 At-Home Tests

By NPR News February 1, 2021

Ellume, an Australian company, manufactures a 15-minute at-home test for the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. Ellume Limited

The Biden administration has made a $231.8 million deal with an Australian company to boost availability of the first at-home rapid test for the coronavirus which causes COVID-19 that is available without a prescription. The test, made by Ellume, can send results to a smartphone within 15 minutes of receiving a sample. Read More

CDC Issues Sweeping New Mask Mandate For U.S. Travelers; Extends Eviction Moratorium

By NPR News January 30, 2021

Travelers wear face masks in the main terminal of Denver International Airport on Dec. 31, 2020. Starting Feb. 1, travelers will be required to wear face masks on nearly all forms of public transportation. CREDIT: David Zalubowski/AP

The order, issued late Friday, will require masks to be worn by "all passengers on public conveyances" traveling into or within the United States, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares. Coverings will also be required at transportation hubs like airports, bus terminals and train or subway stations. The new guidelines take effect Read More

Amanda Gorman’s Poetic Response To Pandemic Grief: ‘Do Not Ignore The Pain’

By PBS Newshour January 26, 2021

Poet Amanda Gorman speaks at the inauguration of U.S. President Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. CREDIT: Alex Wong/Getty Images

When Amanda Gorman wrote her poem, “The Miracle of Morning,” it was early on in the coronavirus pandemic, when we were only beginning to comprehend the scale of national mourning to come. But even then, she wanted to acknowledge the promise of healing, like the light of morning, that springs from despair. Read More

‘Everything Broke’: Global Health Leaders On What Went Wrong In The Pandemic

By NPR News January 26, 2021

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus - World Health Organization head

How to make sure the world is never so devastated by another pandemic? Health officials from around the globe have been vigorously discussing that question over the past week at the annual meeting of the World Health Organization's Executive Board. The members, whose nine-day-long, mostly virtual gathering concludes on Tuesday, have heard recommendations from four separate Read More

Some Seniors Face Shrinking Nest Eggs As They Care For Loved Ones During Pandemic

By NPR News January 25, 2021

Anna Romero had to quit her part-time job during the coronavirus pandemic to care for her husband, Ivan, who has dementia. Courtesy of Anna Romero

Those who have savings have to decide if they should dip into their accounts early, potentially eating away at funds they'd earmarked for later. Others are having to calculate how starting to receive their Social Security payments earlier than planned could reduce their checks in the future. Read More

Current, Deadly U.S. Coronavirus Surge Has Peaked, Researchers Say

By NPR News January 21, 2021

A patient lies on a stretcher in the hallway of the overloaded emergency room at Providence St. Mary Medical Center amid a surge in COVID-19 patients in Southern California in late December. Average new daily infections are now going down in California and much of the country. CREDIT: Mario Tama/Getty Images

While another surge remains possible, especially with new, more infectious variants on the horizon, the number of new daily infections in the current wave appears to have hit a high in the past week or two and has been steadily declining in most states since, the researchers say. Read More

U.S. Records 400,000 Lives Lost To COVID At 1-Year Mark Of 1st Confirmed Case In Washington

By NWPB News January 19, 2021

Mary Estime-Irvin, a councilwoman in North Miami, Fla., writes the name of a friend lost to COVID-19 on a symbolic tombstone that is part of a pandemic memorial at Griffing Park in North Miami in October. CREDIT: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

While millions wait for a lifesaving shot, the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus continues to soar upward with horrifying speed. On Tuesday, the last full day of Donald Trump's presidency, the official death count reached 400,000 — a once-unthinkable number. More than 100,000 Americans have perished in the pandemic in just the past five weeks. Read More

At-Home COVID Testing Is Growing. Can It Help Turn The Tide On The Pandemic?

By PBS Newshour January 17, 2021

If you’ve ever waited in a long line to receive a test for the coronavirus, or tried to get one and couldn’t, or waited a week to get the results, you may have wondered why it’s not easier and more convenient. In recent weeks, the Food and Drug Administration began approving over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for Americans to use at home, part of a wave of new options that Read More

Car Concerts Offer Choirs A Way To Rehearse And Perform During The Pandemic

By NPR News January 11, 2021

Tim Shantz conducts Luminous Voices' first car concert on Oct. 4, 2020. Kenton Smith

For members of Luminous Voices, a professional choir ensemble in Alberta, Canada, rehearsing and performing safely during the pandemic has meant getting into their cars, driving to an empty parking lot and singing with each other's voices broadcast through their car radios. Read More

101 Songs You Turned To In 2020 To Help Navigate A Tumultuous Year

By PBS Newshour January 3, 2021

"It sounds like a friend now instead of an enemy," John Prine says of his singing voice.

As 2020 came to a close, we asked artists and authors about the songs that helped them survive a strange and devastating year. We also posed that question to you, and compiled a playlist of 101 songs that you played over and over again this year. Some songs offered an escape. Some infused joy and despair. Read More

New, More Contagious COVID-19 Variant Spreads To Dozens Of Countries

By NPR News January 2, 2021

Ambulances are parked outside the NHS Nightingale hospital at the ExCeL center in east London on Friday. Hospitals in the U.K. are preparing for an influx of patients as the coronavirus continues to spread. CREDIT: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images

Researchers say the new variant — dubbed B.1.1.7 — probably originated in the South East region of England in September, before being detected there in November. According to a new report from Imperial College London, Britain's November lockdown did little to curb its spread, which was most prevalent in young people under 20 years old. The World Health Organization says Read More

U.S. Surpasses 20 Million Confirmed Coronavirus Cases

By NPR News January 2, 2021

Health care worker Demetra Ransom comforts a patient in the COVID-19 ward at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston last month. The U.S. has since surpassed 20 million confirmed coronavirus cases. CREDIT: Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

The United States has reached a sobering milestone while marking the new year. On Friday, the first day of 2021, the U.S. recorded its 20 millionth confirmed coronavirus case since the beginning of the pandemic. Continue Reading U.S. Surpasses 20 Million Read More

The Importance Of Avoiding Cabin Fever During The Northwest’s Pandemic Winter

By NWPB News January 1, 2021

A backpack and hiking poles in the snow by a hiking trail sign in Spokane County's Dishman Hills

As we find ourselves in the coldest, darkest days of the year during the worst-case surge yet, it can feel like a herculean task just to take a daily walk around the block. Some studies found that even little five-minute outdoor excursions can benefit our health — but 20 to 60 minutes is even better. Read More

Farmers Got Big Government Pandemic Relief In 2020, Even Those Who Didn’t Need It

By NPR News December 31, 2020

The aid, delivered in two separate packages over the course of the year, went to a wide variety of people in agriculture, including corn and soybean farmers, cattle ranchers, and fruit and vegetable producers. The $46 billion in direct government payments to farmers in 2020 broke the previous annual record by about $10 billion, even after accounting for inflation. Read More

StoryCorps Northwest: Family Hit By Loss During 1918 Pandemic Reflects On COVID-19

By Sueann Ramella December 16, 2020

Mother and daughter pose after sharing stories about the 1918 pandemic and Covid-19 pandemic.

This year, you may have heard references to the 1918 pandemic, referred to as the Spanish flu. Peggy Ward of Moscow, Idaho, shares the story of her grandmother who died in the 1918 pandemic and how it affected her family and the community. She spoke with her daughter, Lynne Embrey, for StoryCorps Northwest, recorded virtually. Read More

Washington, Oregon Health Agencies Watching For Suicide Rise During Pandemic, But Not Seeing It

By Tom Banse December 16, 2020

Mock headstones outside the State Capitol mark the number of people who died by suicide in Washington in one year as part of an education event during the 2017 legislative session. Courtesy of Jo Arlow

It stands to reason that all the stress, anxiety and isolation of the pandemic could lead more people to take their own lives. But newly obtained data for Washington and Oregon show this is one bad thing that 2020 has not delivered. Public health agencies and suicide prevention groups have been keeping an eye out since spring for a possible rise in suicides. Read More

Contract Tracing Efforts Are Buckling Under The Heavy Northwest Coronavirus Caseload

By Tom Banse December 14, 2020

Washington National Guard Pfc. Dominic Gonzales worked as a contact tracer at the state Department of Health in Tumwater in May 2020. CREDIT: Anna Boiko-Weyrauch/KUOW

Since early in the pandemic, rapid contact tracing has been considered one of the keys to controlling the spread of the coronavirus. But in recent weeks, an overwhelming surge in new cases has let thousands of COVID-positive people and their close contacts fall through the cracks. Read More

Unlike Washington, Idaho Governor Keeps Asking, But Not Mandating, People Follow COVID Measures

By Scott Leadingham December 10, 2020

Idaho Gov. Brad Little spoke during a virtual press conference Dec. 10 and pleaded with residents to use masks in public and reduce gatherings. But he doubled down on not mandating anything statewide. CREDIT: Idaho Public Television/screenshot

“I don’t know that there’s been anyone who’s a bigger advocate for changing behavior,” Gov. Brad Little said Thursday. “What I want is compliance. And we’re just having an issue (with compliance).” Continue Reading Read More

Newly Sworn-In GOP N.H. House Speaker Dies Of COVID-19, Autopsy Shows

By NPR News December 10, 2020

New Hampshire House Speaker Dick Hinch speaks on Dec. 2 during an outdoor legislative session at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H. Hinch died of COVID-19 on Dec. 9, just a week after he was sworn in as leader of the state's newly Republican-led House. He was 71. CREDIT: Elise Amendola/AP

New Hampshire Republicans elected Rep. Dick Hinch as speaker of the House after the GOP took control of the chamber in November. Hinch's death, now known to be of COVID-19, was announced Wednesday. Continue Reading Newly Sworn-In GOP N.H. Read More

Governor Announces Current Washington Business Closures Will Extend Into The New Year

By NWPB News December 8, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee - press conference - December 8 2020

Washington bars and restaurants will remain closed for indoor service, and movie theaters and bowling alleys will continue to be completely closed, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday. He said the current closure order, which was set to expire Dec. 14, would be extended by three weeks, into the new year. Read More

Think Health Care Workers Are Tested Often For COVID-19? Think Again

By NPR News December 7, 2020

A nurse holds a candle during a vigil in Los Angeles last month for health care workers who have died from COVID-19. The vigil was organized by California Nurses United. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

A majority of hospital nurses said they had never been tested for the coronavirus, according to a recent survey. Hospitals say they are simply following the CDC's guidance. Continue Reading Think Health Care Workers Are Tested Often For Read More

He Lived Near Idaho, With Fewer COVID Restrictions Than Washington. Now He’s Dead

By NWPB News December 7, 2020

As the number of COVID-19 cases skyrockets nationwide, the extent of the public health response varies from one state — and sometimes one town — to the next. The incongruous approaches and the lack of national standards have created confusion, conflict and a muddled public health message, likely hampering efforts to stop the spread of the virus. The country’s top Read More

‘Biggest Stress Test Of American Health Care In History’: Takeaways From The Pandemic This Week

By NPR News December 6, 2020

Health care workers in Houston, Texas, perform a procedure on a patient in the COVID-19 intensive care unit on Thanksgiving. This past week has seen continued steep growth in cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19. Go Nakamura/Getty Images

Deaths from COVID-19 have jumped nearly 40% this week, and hospitals around the country are straining under their patient load. Here's what happened in the first week after Thanksgiving. Continue Reading Read More

More Than Half Of Washingtonians Surveyed Say They’ve Delayed Getting Health Care This Year

By Tom Banse December 4, 2020

Graphic showing excess deaths and COVID-19 deaths in Washington in 2020 above a normal year

An online survey conducted out of Whitman College found more than half of Washingtonians say they have delayed medical visits this year. The findings underscore widespread concerns about disruptions to health care during the pandemic. Read More

Migration To Booming Northwest ‘Zoom Towns’ Sends Home Prices Into Overdrive

By Tom Banse December 4, 2020

Bend, Oregon - central Oregon Cascades - Deschutes County, Oregon - CREDIT: Tom Banse/N3

You can add a new term to your lexicon: "Zoom towns." These are scenic places experiencing a surge of house hunters. Booming demand comes from workers freed by the pandemic to work from home long term. Continue Reading Migration To Read More

U.S. Hits 100,000 COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Breaks Daily Death Record

By NPR News December 3, 2020

The U.S. hit a record high COVID-19 hospitalization rate Wednesday, putting further strain on the nation's already stressed hospitals. Go Nakamura/Getty Images

Data from the COVID Tracking Project show 100,226 people were hospitalized Wednesday, while Johns Hopkins reports a new one-day death toll record. Continue Reading U.S. Hits 100,000 COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Breaks Daily Death RecordRead More

U.S. Passes 12 Million Confirmed Coronavirus Cases, Adding 2 Million In Under 2 Weeks

By NPR News November 22, 2020

Farmworkers in Yakima’s fruit-packing industry walked off production lines in May and went on strike, demanding more protections against the coronavirus pandemic. Above, Emmanuel Anguiano-Mendoza (left) and Agustin López hold posters featuring David Cruz, a worker who died on May 30. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

On Friday alone, there were 195,000 new confirmed cases of the virus and 1,878 deaths. The U.S. has been adding 1 million cases every six days. Continue Reading U.S. Passes 12 Million Confirmed Coronavirus Cases, Adding 2 Read More

CAUSES OF AN INCREASE IN PET ADOPTIONS

By Murrow News - Humayun Khurram November 20, 2020

CAUSES OF AN INCREASE IN PET ADOPTIONS. Pullman, Wash. (Murrow News 8) — Challenges with supply and demand during the pandemic have led to shortages not only of items such as hand sanitizer and toilet paper, but in many places, also in pets available for adoption. Shelby Vasquez, assistant director of shelter operation, Whitman county… Read More

CDC Strongly Recommends Against Traveling For Thanksgiving

By NPR News November 20, 2020

An airport employee walks through Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va., earlier this year. On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that Americans should refrain from traveling for the upcoming holiday. CREDIT: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its recommendations one week before the holiday, advising that Americans be careful amid an explosion in the spread of the coronavirus. Continue Reading CDC Strongly Recommends Against Traveling Read More

U.S. Reaches 250,000 COVID-19 Deaths: A Long Winter Is Coming As Pandemic Fatigue Sets In

By NPR News November 19, 2020

Dr. Joseph Varon puts on his face shield before entering the COVID-19 intensive care unit at United Memorial Medical Center on Monday in Houston. Texas has recorded more than 1.1 million cases of the virus, with more than 20,000 deaths. Go Nakamura/Getty Images

Medical advances have reduced the infection fatality rate in the U.S. But experts warn that indoor gatherings, cold temperatures and pandemic fatigue augur dark months ahead. Continue Reading U.S. Reaches 250,000 COVID-19 Read More

FDA Approves First At-Home Coronavirus Test; Likely Won’t Be Widely Available Until Spring

By NPR News November 18, 2020

A coronavirus test is administered in Salt Lake City in Tuesday. At-home coronavirus tests will offer faster results than the traditional tests. CREDIT: Rick Bowmer/AP

The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit is expected to provide results in 30 minutes or less. Its approval could help alleviate the strain on the nation's precarious coronavirus testing system. Continue Reading FDA Read More

U.S.-Canada Border Closure Likely To Be ‘With Us For Awhile’ As Pandemic Persists

By Tom Banse November 17, 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 most recent extension of the U.S.-Canada border closure expires this Friday, November 21, but no one expects the restrictions to be lifted then. First implemented in March, the closure of the land and sea border to nonessential crossings have been extended monthly by mutual agreement between Ottawa and the Trump administration. Read More

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee To Announce New Statewide COVID-19 Restrictions Sunday

By Austin Jenkins November 14, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced additional measures to combat coronavirus on July 23, 2020. CREDIT: TVW

While Inslee's office did not release details in advance of the 11 a.m. Sunday event, industry group emails sent to grocery store and restaurant owners, and obtained by the public radio Northwest News Network, outlined what Inslee is expected to order. Read More

Cities And States Are Imposing New COVID-19 Restrictions. Experts Say It’s Not Enough

By NPR News November 14, 2020

Medical workers wearing personal protective equipment register people in vehicles at a drive-through coronavirus testing site Monday in El Paso, Texas. Joel Angel Juarez/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Areas across the country are implementing preventive measures such as curfews. Some experts are questioning whether these minor changes will be enough to control the virus. Continue Reading Cities And States Are Imposing New Read More

Coronavirus Third Wave In Washington: Long Lines For Testing, People Turned Away

By Austin Jenkins November 13, 2020

Cars line up for coronavirus testing outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Florida is one of many states reporting spikes in COVID-19 cases in recent days, as the number of confirmed cases worldwide has topped 10 million. Wilfredo Lee/AP

It used to be a busy day at the Providence COVID drive-up test site near Olympia was 100 cars. Recently, the site broke a one-day record with 352 drive ups. It's another sign of the “third wave” now underway. Continue Reading Read More

Gov. Jay Inslee And First Lady Trudi Urge A Change To Thanksgiving Plans As COVID Cases Climb

By Scott Leadingham November 12, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee and First Lady Trudi Inslee spoke in a statewide address Nov. 12, urging Washingtonians to consider changing Thanksgiving plans due to surging COVID-19 cases. CREDIT: TVW

The latest COVID situation report shows the transmission rate of the virus is now well above one meaning one sick person is likely to spread it to more than one other person. In addition, hospitalizations are on the rise on both sides of the Cascades. Health experts are especially concerned about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Read More