Columbia County still at one COVID-19 case, zero positives, zero deaths

DAYTON–Columbia County is again one of the few Washington counties with just a single case of coronavirus in this 14th week of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. That one case has recovered and the county is one of 19 counties yet to count a death attributed to the virus.

According to the Columbia County Department of Health, there have been 60 negative tests of county residents as of early this week.

Neighboring Garfield County again remains coronavirus free this week. Walla Walla County has counted 34 confirmed cases and zero deaths.

King County is the hardest hit of Washington's 39 counties, with 5,360 confirmed coronavirus cases and 373 deaths, according to Department of Health statistics. Snohomish County has the second-highest infection count with 2,152 and 99 deaths, and Pierce County has 1,148 cases and 35 deaths.

There have been 12,282 confirmed cases in the state and 682 deaths, or 92 deaths per million population. Total tests conducted statewide amount to 145,031 with a positive percentage of 8.5%.

Nationwide, as of deadline, the confirmed infection count is 826,240 and 45,373 have died, according to on-line sources. Globally, 2.5 million have been infected and 177,496 have succumbed.

Locally, Health Department Administrator Martha Lanman urges the public to stay safe and practice social distancing. "We understand that the weather is improving and it is tempting to go outside and be around others, but please continue to follow Washington State's 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' guidelines," Lanman said.

While you are getting your fresh air, remember:

-Gatherings of any size are not allowed outdoors, just as they are not allowed indoors. This includes friends getting together to go fishing or hiking.

-Do outdoor activities only with people in your immediate household (not extended families).

-Do outdoor activities close by your home, instead of traveling to do them (if you have to take a car, maybe it's too far).

-If you encounter others, maintain a minimum of six-feet distance.