Coronavirus Case Rates Rise Another 13% In WA: Federal Report

SEATTLE — A recent rise in coronavirus infections is gaining momentum in Washington, lending more evidence that a fourth wave of illness may be underway.

The latest state profile compiled by the White House shows Washington's rate of new COVID-19 cases grew 13 percent last week, even as the total number of tests declined another 35 percent. According to federal metrics, Washington's statewide rate of new cases sits at 75 per 100,000 people, with a test positivity of 4.4 percent. Overall, the state's community transmission rates remain "substantial," the report found.

A bright spot in the data continues to be a marked decline in deaths and hospitalizations, which state and county health officials have credited to the widespread success of immunization efforts among the oldest and most vulnerable groups.

On March 26, King County's health officer reported the share of illnesses among the county's oldest groups had fallen 83 percent since early February. However, case counts are increasing among all other age brackets, and particularly among those 18 to 24 years old. While younger people are much less likely to be hospitalized or die, infections can still pose serious health problems.

"It's important to prevent COVID-19 in all ages, not just older age groups," Dr. Jeff Duchin said. "According to the National Institutes of Health, large numbers of people with COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms long past the time they've recovered from their initial illness. Often referred to as 'long-COVD,' these symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, sleep disorders, fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, depression...and they can persist for months and range from mild to incapacitating."

Officials worry a new wave of infections will be fanned by several variants of concern that are gaining ground locally, which are believed to be more infectious and, in some cases, cause more severe illness. That reality, mixed with more social activities resuming under Phase 3, could lead to scores of avoidable cases before the wider population is immunized.

"We'll need a few more weeks of serious effort to finish this off successfully," Duchin said. "We can't let the light at the end of the tunnel blind us. Giving in and relaxing prematurely will lead to additional preventable illnesses and suffering."

There is good news on the vaccination front after Gov. Jay Inslee announced all Washingtonians, ages 16 and older, will qualify to make appointments by April 15. Health officials caution there is likely to be delays between becoming eligible and receiving a shot as the state awaits a promised boost in federal deliveries, which is expected to begin sometime in April. Right now, the demand significantly outpaces supply.

Learn more about who qualifies under Washington's current phases on the Department of Health website. Those who are eligible under existing tiers can search for appointments using the state's Vaccine Locator tool.