417 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Pierce County, 7 Dead

PUYALLUP, WA — The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reported more than four dozen new coronavirus illnesses Wednesday, bringing the official case total to 417. Wednesday's update included the county's seventh death associated with the virus, a Puyallup woman in her 80s with underlying health conditions.

Among the latest confirmed illnesses is a firefighter with West Pierce Fire & Rescue. According to the agency, the firefighter worked at two stations and was exposed to the virus while off-duty. As a precaution, 19 West Pierce employees were placed in self-quarantine and both fire stations were decontaminated and remain in service.

The health department said it was no longer able to provide case numbers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, but did not provide a reason. The original total reported Wednesday, before the JBLM cases were removed, was 423.

Related: Washington Nears 6,000 Coronavirus Cases; At Least 247 Dead

Coronavirus cases in your Patch:

Lakewood: 33 cases (3 deaths)
Puyallup: 25 cases (1 death)
Gig Harbor area: 24 cases
Bonney Lake: 12 cases
University Place: 15 cases
Lake Tapps/Sumner area: 13 cases

Find a complete list of Pierce County cases and review an updated map here.

Nearly 1,000 tested at Tacoma Dome

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said 996 people were tested for COVID-19 at the Tacoma Dome drive-thru site between March 21 and March 25. Nearly half of those who received tests worked in health care and 55 percent were employed in "critical services."

Among those tested, 88 percent had a cough, 53 percent had shortness of breath and 23 percent had a fever. Results for 16 people returned positive for the virus, including 10 Pierce County residents. According to the health department, approximately 98 percent of the tests returned negative for COVID-19.

Health workers seek hazard pay

The News Tribune reports a union representing 3,600 Pierce County nurses is seeking an additional $5 per hour as they work under increased an risk to themselves and their families. An online petition, asking CHI Franciscan and MultiCare to institute the hazard pay garnered nearly 12,000 signatures by Wednesday afternoon.

Tips to maintain your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

The health department has shared several tips and resources to help Pierce County residents deal with feelings of stress, anxiety and fear during this crisis.

Some simple steps for all:

• Take part in healthy activities you enjoy and find relaxing.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night at a consistent time.
• Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including on social media.
• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings or concerns.

There are several places available to assist people who are struggling with their mental health:

• Call the Pierce County Crisis Line at (800) 576-7764. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Mobile fees waived.
• Call the LGBTQ Trevor Project Support Center at (866) 488-7386.
• Call 211 to learn about additional mental health resources.

Find more tips for parents, caregivers, first responders and health care workers here.