73 New Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Pierce County Friday

TACOMA, WA — Lab tests have confirmed an additional 73 cases of the new coronavirus in Pierce County, for a total of 571 illnesses, the health department announced Friday. The county's death toll remains unchanged at 7.

Tacoma accounts for a large portion of COVID-19 cases in the county, at 223, followed by Lakewood with 46.

At least 6,374 people have been tested for the virus in Pierce County, according to an update from the state department of health Thursday.

Western State Hospital to release or transfer 60 patients

State officials plan to move or discharge up to 60 patients from Washington's largest psychiatric hospital, to alleviate some of the stress placed on staff at the 850-bed facility, according to the Associated Press.

At least 16 workers and six patients have tested positive for COVID-19 at the hospital, and staff members have repeatedly raised concerns that administrators were not doing enough to ensure everyone's safety.

The Associated Press reports patients being considered for potential release were civilly committed to the hospital, and behavioral health officials said no one would be discharged without somewhere to go.

Pierce Transit to further reduce service Monday, April 6

Starting Monday, April 6, Pierce Transit will operate on a modified Sunday schedule until further notice, officials announced Friday. During the temporary route reductions, riders can check their routes and schedules, updated daily, here.

According to Pierce Transit, weekday bus ridership is down at least 64 percent compared to the same time last year, with Washingtonians ordered to avoid all non-essential travel and activities until at least May 4.

Coronavirus cases in your Patch:

Lakewood: 46 cases (3 deaths)
Puyallup: 30 cases (1 death)
Gig Harbor area: 36 cases
Bonney Lake: 14 cases
University Place: 18 cases
Lake Tapps/Sumner area: 13 cases

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

Find answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 in Pierce County here.