Washington Breaks Daily Coronavirus Record, Adding 1,469 Cases

SEATTLE — Washington reported its highest single-day rise in coronavirus cases Wednesday, on the same day the United States logged more than 100,000 new illnesses for the first time.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, 1,469 new infections were confirmed by the end of Tuesday, surpassing previous daily records set in July. The state also added 16 deaths to its official tally, which officials said included 14 earlier deaths "not previously linked to a COVID-19 positive test."

Since the pandemic began, Washington has recorded 111,480 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases, 8,725 hospitalizations and 2,416 deaths resulting from the virus.

In the state's three most populous counties, Public Health - Seattle & King County reported 559 illnesses Wednesday, followed by 214 reported by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and 135 reported by the Snohomish Health District.

Across the nation, the United States added more than 100,000 cases Wednesday, including sharp increases seen in the Midwest and Great Plains. Over the last seven days, the nation has averaged more than 88,000 illnesses each day, breaking another record.

More than a dozen states are experiencing record hospitalizations, and an uptick in deaths is beginning to appear in some places, including Wisconsin, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Public health experts have warned of an upward trend since early October, fearing the potential for a third wave that could exceed anything seen before. Last week, King County's health officer called on residents to "step up our game," to reverse the virus's course before a potential surge that could threaten the state's health care system.

"Across the country, we're seeing surges in serious illnesses that are stressing hospitals," Dr. Jeff Duchin said. "Wisconsin and Texas are setting up field hospitals, and Utah hospitals are talking about the need to ration life-saving care. We don't want to go there."

As the holidays approach, state and local health officials are urging particular caution around social gatherings, even among family and friends, until transmission rates are brought down substantially.

"I feel that we're heading down a treacherous path, and the longer we wait, the more difficult it gets to reverse the trajectory of our increasing outbreak," Duchin said. "The upcoming holiday season greatly adds to the risk and the importance of taking action now."

Washington coronavirus links:

• Washington coronavirus dashboard
• State risk assessment dashboard
• King County's daily outbreak summary
• Key indicators dashboard
• Reducing coronavirus risk indoors: recommendations for fall and winter
• Why if the flu vaccine so important this year?