Why Spokane County could move back to Phase 2 reopening

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Spokane County is “very shut” to surpassing the COVID-19 well being metrics wanted to remain in Phase 3 of Washington’s reopening plan, Interim Well being Officer Dr. Frank Velazquez warned on Tuesday. 

“The traits we’re seeing with COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations is [sic] regarding as we’re very near surpassing the mandatory metrics that may enable us to stay in section three of the Wholesome Washington plan,” Velazquez stated in a press launch.  “As companies open up extra and as extra folks grow to be eligible for the vaccine, it’s simple to grow to be relaxed with the general public well being measures, however we should stay vigilant if we wish to proceed to see progress.” 

The Washington State Division of Well being (DOH) “has not indicated the information set they are going to be utilizing to guage counties and their motion ahead or again within the Roadmap to Recovery Plan phases,” the Spokane Regional Well being District wrote in a press launch. Kelli Hawkins, a spokesperson for SRHD, stated the well being district has no indication from the DOH or Gov. Jay Inslee’s workplace that Spokane County is shifting backward into Section 2 of reopening.

Counties might be evaluated each three weeks after shifting to Section 3. These evaluations will happen on Mondays and take impact on Friday, with the primary analysis taking place on April 12. Any county that fails a number of of the well being metrics outlined by the state will transfer again one section, Inslee beforehand introduced.

The variety of new coronavirus circumstances per 100,000 folks in Spokane County was 187 from March 21 to April 3, in line with information offered by SRHD on Tuesday. Counties are supposed to maintain that quantity beneath 200 in Section 3.

In keeping with SRHD, the day by day reported hospitalizations per 100,000 folks throughout a one-week interval from March 28 to April 3 was 4.7. That quantity is meant to be lower than 5 for counties in Section 3. 

The rise in circumstances for Spokane County is especially stemming from personal gatherings and neighborhood unfold, in line with SRHD. Information from March 28 to April 3 additionally exhibits the vast majority of circumstances falling amongst folks between the ages of 20 to 39 years previous, with 27.6% of circumstances within the 20-29 age group and 16.4% within the 30-39 age group. 

SRHD reported 38 new COVID-19 circumstances and no new deaths on Tuesday, April 6. There are 39 COVID-19 sufferers who’re at the moment hospitalized. 

Velazquez once more emphasised the significance of carrying masks, preserving gatherings small, bodily distancing in public and handwashing. He additionally inspired everybody to enroll to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine when eligible.

“By following the general public well being measures and vaccinating, our companies can stay open, we are able to go to with family and friends, and we are able to start to stay a extra regular life,” Velazquez stated. “Now we have to work along with every of us doing our half to maintain case counts down.”