Washington Confirms 480 New Coronavirus Cases, 2 More Deaths

SEATTLE — State health officials reported two additional deaths and 480 new coronavirus cases in Washington on Wednesday, with the highest daily case counts seen in King, Spokane and Pierce counties. New deaths were added to the state's tally in six counties and slightly reduced in five counties.

Per the latest available information, 87,522 patients have tested positive in the state since the crisis began, and 2,126 people have died from complications linked to COVID-19. At least 3,849 new illnesses have been confirmed in Washington over the last seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's case tracker.

Many of Washington's counties still show a rate of cases by population higher than the target threshold of 25 cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days. At least 14 of the state's counties remain in the highest transmission bracket, and seven counties are in the moderate range.

As of Monday, health labs had processed at least 1,868,089 tests in Washington since the public health crisis began.

Washington makes progress on vaccine distribution plan

Plans to distribute a coronavirus vaccine are progressing in Washington, and they will get a boost when a national framework report is released, officials said Wednesday. The state's final version of the plan is due by mid-October.

According to DOH, it received $5 million in federal funds to assist with the preparations, and they expect to have most providers enrolled by late October. That funding is earmarked to support state and local partnerships, vendor contracts and added staffing.

While health experts are doubtful an approved vaccine will be ready by November, state officials believe they will be ready in any case. Officials said the state's plans will likely require some alterations, depending on what type of vaccine is approved, as multiple clinical trials are still underway.

Read more: Washington Issues Update On Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution Plan

Coronavirus outbreak closes Salish Lodge & Spa

The iconic Salish Lodge & Spa is temporarily closed after more than two dozen COVID-19 illnesses were diagnosed in September at the Snoqualmie hotel. According to Public Health Seattle & King County, 23 infections were among staff, and two guests tested positive.

Public health officials are urging anyone who may have visited the property in recent weeks to closely monitor their health and seek testing. Investigators said hotel management is fully cooperating and working to enact new recommendations, test staff members and reduce the risk of transmission.

Read more: Coronavirus Outbreak At Salish Lodge Infects 25: Public Health

Democrats postpone House vote on new COVID-19 relief package

The House delayed the vote on a $2.2 trillion coronavirus aid package Wednesday night, as negotiations continue between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, according to the New York Times.

House Democrats planned to move forward with the vote earlier in the day and postponed in at the last minute as negotiations continued. The plan is a reduction from the $3.4 trillion passed by the House in November, but higher than the $1.5 trillion sought by the Trump administration.

The Democrats' proposal seeks to restore the added $600 in weekly unemployment payments and send a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks directly to taxpayers. CNBC reports other funding includesrent and mortgage assistance and billions for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and education.

Total coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths by county:

The above numbers are provided by the state Department of Health, and some numbers differ from the totals provided separately by county health agencies.