Washington Coronavirus Cases Top 100; 16 Dead

SEATTLE, WA — At least 100 people in the state of Washington have tested positive for the new coronavirus, according to a Saturday update from the Washington State Department of Health, with new cases reported in three additional counties.

Health officials are reporting at least 102 illnesses and 16 deaths linked to the new coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, up from at least 79 and 14 on Friday, respectively. The latest numbers include 71 infections in King County, 27 in Snohomish County, one in Grant County and one in Jefferson County. On Saturday, health officials also reported single cases in Pierce and Clark counties.

Though not reflected on the Department of Health's website, the Kittitas County Public Health Department on Saturday announced its first confirmed coronavirus case, which would bring the state total to 103. According to county health officials, the 67-year-old female is stable and in isolation.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Washington. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Seattle and King County health officials released details Saturday surrounding four deaths in the county, two of which were included in the latest state report. All four were elderly patients in their 70s and 80s, and were residents of LifeCare Center in Kirkland.

To date, 15 people in King County have died from illnesses related to coronavirus, 14 of whom were linked to LifeCare Center. One death has been reported in Snohomish County.

Since the outbreak started, LifeCare transferred 54 of its 120 residents to hospitals. Since Feb. 19, 26 residents have died — 15 were already in the hospital and 13 had tested positive for the new coronavirus, according to a news release issued at a Saturday briefing at LifeCare. It's unclear whether the remaining 11 deaths that happened at the facility were caused by coronavirus or a similar illness, the release said, because no post-mortem information was available.

Currently, 70 LifeCare employees are showing COVID-19 symptoms, according to the release, and are not actively working at the facility.

President Donald Trump signed an $8.3 billion coronavirus spending bill Friday, boosting the money available for federal, state and local efforts to combat the growing outbreak of COVID-19.

Gov. Jay Inslee joined Rep. Susan DelBene and Rep. Derek Kilmer for a news conference in Seattle Friday morning to break down what those numbers mean for Washington, described Thursday by Vice President Mike Pence as the "tip of the spear" in the U.S. coronavirus response.

Through the federal relief bill, Washington is expected to receive $11.5 million. King County officials estimate the COVID-19 outbreak is costing the county at least $100,000 per day. Dow Constantine, King County Executive, said he expects to spend at least $50 million in the short-term.

Gov. Jay Inslee said lawmakers in Olympia also approved $100 million in state funds to assist with the growing needs of the health care response.

Patch Editor Lucas Combos contributed to this report.

RELATED:

Coronavirus Update In United States: Weekend Of March 6

4 Washington Counties With Confirmed Coronavirus Cases; 14 Dead

University of Washington To Close Classrooms Over Coronavirus

Emerald City Comic Con Postponed For Coronavirus

Coronavirus And The Prospect Of Working From Home: Helpful Tips