By The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — The latest numbers recorded by the state Department of Health show 838 additional COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths.
The numbers reported late Tuesday bring the state up to 48,575 cases and at least 1,465 deaths, according to the state website.
Since the pandemic began, 841,184 tests for the coronavirus have been done in the state with about 5.8 percent of those coming back positive. Over the past week, about 5.5 percent of tests have been positive. The World Health Organization recommends the rate be 5 percent or less.
“Washington’s numbers aren’t looking great right now,” state health officials said in a press release Tuesday, adding that the virus is persistent and determined and every time someone breathes, speaks, laughs, coughs or sneezes, people potentially leave traces of the virus lingering in the air for others to catch.
The only way to prevent spreading the virus is to limit interactions, stay close to home, avoid crowds, stay 6 feet apart from other people and wear face coverings whenever in a shared or public space, officials said.
For most, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
