State on virus: 'Washington’s numbers aren’t looking great'

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Health officials reported 838 additional COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths in Washington Tuesday evening.

The latest numbers bring the state up to 48,575 cases and at least 1,465 deaths, according to the state Department of Health.

Since the pandemic began, 841,184 tests for the coronavirus have been done in the state with about 5.8% of those coming back positive. Over the past week, about 5.5% of tests in Washington have been positive. The World Health Organization recommends the rate be 5% or less.

“Washington’s numbers aren’t looking great right now,” state health officials said in a news release Tuesday, adding that the virus is persistent and determined and every time someone breathes, speaks, laughs, coughs or sneezes, people potentially leave traces of the virus lingering in the air for others to catch.

The only way to prevent spreading the virus is to limit interactions, stay close to home, avoid crowds, stay 6 feet apart from other people and wear face coverings whenever in a shared or public space, officials said.

For most, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.