Washington's Coronavirus Death Toll Nears 400

SEATTLE, WA — At least 8,682 Washingtonians have tested positive for the new coronavirus since the outbreak began, and 394 people have died, according to an update from the state department of health Tuesday. The latest numbers represent all lab-confirmed cases recorded by 11:59 p.m. Monday and show a slight decrease in the rate of new cases and deaths since the last update.

During a press briefing Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Jay Inslee acknowledged a shift in some recent models, predicting Washington may soon turn the corner on the outbreak.

"Based on the science that is at our disposal, it suggests the steps we are taking as a state are having a positive impact," Inslee said. "We should be happy about that."

The governor cautioned against complacency as the number of illnesses and deaths begin to slow, underlining the importance of continuing social distancing efforts until virus activity has fully stopped.

"There is going to be a human inclination to let up, [to] take it easy," Inslee said. "We are not free of the threat of losing hundreds of other Washingtonians as we continue to improve. We've got to wrestle this to the ground."

Inslee says the legislature is likely to return for a special session to boost funding for coronavirus response

Inslee said it was probable that the legislature would need to be called back to Olympia at some point to aid Washington's ongoing coronavirus response. Inslee said the state has already distributed about $120 million of the $200 million approved by lawmakers before the legislature adjourned in March.

According to the governor, those payments included $30 million was to state and local health authorities, $10 million to help purchase food for non-profits and $5 million to help Washington's 29 tribes.

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Washington launches $5 million small business grant program

Washington is taking applications for a statewide grant program, offering businesses with 10 or fewer employees up to $10,000. Inslee said money for the program was secured from the governor's strategic reserve fund.

"We know what we're doing today is not enough," Inslee said. "This is a huge challenge to us all and there is much more that we need to do."

Inslee said the $5 million program is just one step in an evolving effort to offset the widespread economic damage of the outbreak, providing some much-needed relief for small businesses in the short-term.

"These are relatively small things given the mountain we've got to climb," Inslee said. "To a small business, a mom-and-pop restaurant, that we can keep in business, it won't be small for them."

Learn more about the state's program and how to apply here. Business owners are also encouraged to apply for federal loans provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Related: UW Medicine Seeks Testers For Outbreak Prediction App

State partners with philanthropic groups to launch food bank fund

The governor's office announced a new statewide partnership Tuesday to raise funds for three groups that provide supplies to food banks across Washington. Inslee said food banks have reported severely depleted resources in some areas and the demand for assistance is expected to double — to 1.6 million residents — in the week ahead.

Money raised through the WA Food Fund will help Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest and Second Harvest.

Learn how to support the WA Food Fund on the Philanthropy Northwest website. Find food bank resources available near you via Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest and Second Harvest (Eastern Washington).

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

Total confirmed cases: 8,682 (394 deaths)

King: 3,460 cases (226 deaths)
Snohomish: 1,596 cases (59 deaths)
Unassigned: 915 cases**
Pierce: 644 cases (15 deaths)
Yakima: 377 cases (16 deaths)
Spokane: 209 cases (12 deaths)
Whatcom: 222 cases (19 deaths)
Benton: 179 cases (18 deaths)
Skagit: 165 cases (4 deaths)
Clark: 161 cases (10 deaths)
Island: 143 cases (6 deaths)
Kitsap: 118 cases
Grant: 90 cases (2 deaths)
Franklin: 75 cases (2 deaths)
Thurston: 74 cases (1 death)
Chelan: 32 cases (2 deaths)
Adams: 29 cases
Jefferson: 27 cases
Cowlitz: 20 cases
Mason: 17 cases
Lewis: 16 cases (1 death)
Walla Walla: 15 cases
Whitman: 12 cases
Kittitas: 13 cases
Klickitat: 11 cases (1 death)
San Juan: 11 cases
Douglas: 10 cases
Okanogan: 10 cases
Clallam: 8 cases
Grays Harbor: 6 cases
Stevens: 5 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."