Find developments on the coronavirus outbreak in Washington state as we work together to separate facts from fear. Key facts:
21 new deaths from coronavirus reported Saturday in Washington state, bringing the total to 624 among 11,802 total cases in the state.
Washington's unemployment system is shutting down Saturday for an update and expansion of benefits.
Seattle parks and farmers markets are open this weekend, with new guidelines to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Gov. Inslee has extended the eviction moratoriumthrough June 4, 2020.
Sunday, April 19
State health department recalls 12,000 coronavirus kits for possible contamination
On April 17, the Washington State Department of Health was alerted by UW Medicine to discontinue the use of a recently-procured batch of coronavirus testing kits that UW said may have a quality control issue. As a result, the DOH recalled approximately 12,000 kits sent to local health jurisdictions, tribal nations, and state agency partners across the state. This was done out of an abundance of caution. Viral transport media (VTM) is the fluid that preserves a specimen during transport, like one collected via nasal swab from a person being tested for coronavirus. Some of the vials of VTM were an unusual color, which prompted UW Medicine to reach out to DOH to work together to investigate potential contamination. DOH officials believe there is no health risk to patients as the VTM does not come in contact with patients during a COVID-19 test.
The “quality issues” in the collection kits did not impact testing results.
Saturday, April 18:
Death toll from coronavirus climbs to 624 in Washington state
The Washington Department of Health reported 21 deaths from coronavirus as of Saturday. The total number of deaths in the state is now at 624 among 11,802 cases statewide. A total of 135,706 people have been tested for the virus and of those, 8.7% have tested positive.
Drive-through coronavirus testing available in Grays Harbor County
Officials with Grays Harbor Public Health say coronavirus (COVID-19) testing is now available at their drive-through testing site in Aberdeen - by appointment only.
By: TEGNA SEA
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