Washington Reports 575 New Coronavirus Cases, 9 Additional Deaths

SEATTLE, WA — Health officials reported 575 new coronavirus cases and nine additional deaths in Washington on Monday. Per the latest data, at least 63,647 patients have been diagnosed in Washington since the crisis began, and 1,697 patients have died from complications linked to the virus.

Ongoing issues with a reporting system has prevented the state from releasing updated figures on testing and positivity rates for the last 10 days.

At least 4,900 new illnesses have been confirmed in Washington over the last seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's case tracker. The latest figures mark a modest improvement compared to recent weeks. However, most of the state's counties still show a rate of cases by population much higher than the target threshold of 25 cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days.

According to the Department of Health, at least 386 patients reamined hospitalized with confirmed or likely COVID-19 illnesses in Washington as of Sunday. Health officials continue to closely monitor hospital activity and occupancy, coordinate transfers and reprioritize distribution of protective gear to frontline workers as needed.

View detailed information on virus activity and trends in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

Inslee updates guidance for agricultural events, faith-based services and indoor fitness

Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday released updated guidance for agricultural events and faith-based services, and additional clarification for the activities allowed indoors at fitness and training facilities.

Under new rules for Phase 2 and Phase 3 counties, limited indoor fitness activities, including small classes and gym use, are permitted if certain physical distancing and sanitation protocols can be followed. Generally, limits on occupancy are tied to square footage and large facilities are capped at 25 percent occupancy.

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about fitness guidelines.
Review changes for agricultural events under in Phase 2 counties.
Catch up on the latest rules for religious and faith-based services.

Wildland firefighter tests positive for the coronavirus

A wildland firefighter assigned to the Anglin Fire near Tonasket tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend, despite showing no symptoms, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The latest diagnosis is the third among DNR firefighters — a group especially at risk for outbreaks due to the conditions required for their jobs.

"Our wildland firefighters are our first line of defense when communities are facing a wildfire," said Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands. "Unfortunately, despite all possible precautions, firefighters do congregate and work in close quarters when responding to wildfires."

According to a news release, 14 other firefighters who had contact with the infected person were placed in quarantine, but their temporary absence was not expected to harm the state's wildfire response capability.

A statewide burn ban was issued for all DNR lands in July and will remain in place through at least September.

Read more: 3rd Washington Firefighter Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Washington begins COVID-19 farmworker study

A state task force has launched a new study to provide timely, accurate and localized information and resources to communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the ongoing pandemic. The new study, done in partnership with two other states examines the impact of COVID-19 on communities of farmworkers across the West Coast.

A data collection team will collect surveys in agricultural communities throughout August to help steer planning efforts an strengthen the state's response plans. Each participant is eligible for $20 for their participation.

Read more from the Department of Health: The COVID-19 Farmworker Study

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.