More Than 9,000 Coronavirus Cases In Washington; 421 Dead

SEATTLE, WA — Lab testing has confirmed nearly 9,100 cases of the new coronavirus in Washington since the outbreak began, and 421 people have died, according to data posted by the state health department Wednesday.

The latest numbers, which account for all cases confirmed by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, included 415 additional illnesses since the last update and 27 additional deaths.

Just two Washington counties, Garfield and Pacific, have reported no confirmed cases during the outbreak.

Hundreds of new deaths in the nation's coronavirus epicenter

Across the nation, authorities in New York state reported 779 deaths over 24 hours and 275 people died in New Jersey. The New York Times reports more than 7,700 people have died between the two states — more than the rest of the U.S. combined.

Despite the grim numbers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said New York recorded a decline in new hospitalizations and ICU admissions for the fourth day in a row.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said he believes the total number of U.S. deaths will be lower than the original projection of 100,000 to 200,000, citing recent models that appear to show progress since strict social distancing measures were widely implemented.

Inslee says Seattle field hospital will be dismantled, sent back to help other states

The U.S. Army's Seattle field hospital will be disassembled and returned to the federal government, so its resources can be deployed in states facing severe shortages, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday.

In late March, 300 soldiers were sent from Fort Carson, Colorado to build and staff a temporary, 250-bed hospital at the CenturyLink Field Event Center, as a safeguard against a potential surge in hospitalizations.

The Seattle region saw the first major outbreak of the new coronavirus in the U.S., but updated estimates do not expect hospitals to be overwhelmed. Despite recent progress in flattening the curve in Washington, Inslee said the fight was far from over.

"Don't let this decision give you the impression that we are out of the woods," Inslee said in a statement. "We have to keep our guard up and continue to stay home unless conducting essential activities to keep everyone healthy."

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More inmates test positive for COVID-19; disturbance reported at Monroe prison

The Department of Corrections confirms three more inmates at the Monroe Correctional Complex have tested positive for the new coronavirus. Corrections officials reported the first known infection at the state prison on Monday. The Associated Press reports at least six inmates and five staff members at the facility have contracted the virus to-date.

A petition seeking the release of hundreds of at-risk inmates is before the state Supreme Court, and a ruling could come this month.

Law enforcement responded to the prison Wednesday night on reports of a large disturbance involving dozens of inmates, according to Washington State Patrol. Information on what led up to the incident was not immediately available.

Port of Seattle suspends 20 construction projects to review safety plans

The Port of Seattle has paused work on approximately 20 ongoing construction projects to review contractors' safety plans to prevent the spread of the virus. Officials said all contractors were required to submit updated safety plans in late March to demonstrate what measures were in place to follow public health recommendations.

According to the port, safety and construction teams will work with several groups to assess each plan before work is permitted to resume.

Washington athletes donate to Seattle health workers

NBA veteran and former Huskies basketball star Isaiah Thomas sent more than 100 Pagliacci pizzas to health care workers at Harborview and UW Medical Center Tuesday night. Thomas, who was born and raised in Pierce County, said he plans to send over dinner again next Tuesday, April 14.

Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf donated $25,000 to help Swedish Medical Group's ongoing efforts to combat the coronavirus, ESPN reported Wednesday. Metcalf sent another $25,000 to help feed those in need in his hometown of Oxford, Miss.

University of Washington moves graduation ceremonies online

The University of Washington will hold its commencement ceremonies via an interactive webcast scheduled for June 13, college officials announced Wednesday. According to the UW, an in-person graduation ceremony will take place a year later on June 12, 2021.

The university, like others across the nation, are holding all spring semester classes remotely. According to the Seattle Times, UW plans to continue online-only courses through at least the first summer term.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases by county (from the Washington Department of Health*)

Total confirmed cases: 9,097 (421 deaths)

King: 3,668 cases (242 deaths)
Snohomish: 1,651 cases (62 deaths)
Unassigned: 838 cases**
Pierce: 759 cases (15 deaths)
Yakima: 394 cases (18 deaths)
Whatcom: 236 cases (20 deaths)
Spokane: 209 cases (12 deaths)
Benton: 190 cases (18 deaths)
Clark: 186 cases (10 deaths)
Skagit: 169 cases (5 deaths)
Island: 149 cases (7 deaths)
Kitsap: 117 cases (1 death)
Grant: 95 cases (2 deaths)
Thurston: 77 cases (1 death)
Franklin: 76 cases (2 deaths)
Chelan: 35 cases (2 deaths)
Adams: 30 cases
Jefferson: 27 cases
Cowlitz: 20 cases
Mason: 17 cases
Lewis: 17 cases (2 deaths)
Walla Walla: 17 cases
Kittitas: 15 cases (1 death)
Whitman: 12 cases
Douglas: 12 cases
San Juan: 12 cases
Klickitat: 11 cases (1 death)
Okanogan: 10 cases
Clallam: 10 cases
Grays Harbor: 7 cases
Stevens: 6 cases
Asotin: 4 cases
Wahkiakum: 2 cases
Columbia: 1 case
Ferry: 1 case
Lincoln: 1 case
Pend Oreille: 1 case
Skamania: 1 case

*Some numbers differ from the totals provided separately by county health agencies.
**Health agencies are still working to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for cases marked "unassigned."