Washington state coronavirus deaths rise to 29, cases soar to 366, including first in Thurston County
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has increased to 366, including 29 deaths, the state Department of Health announced shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday.
All but three of those deaths were in King County, followed by two in Snohomish county and one in Grant County. Thurston County also reported its first case on Wednesday.
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19, the illness caused by a novel coronavirus.
The patient is in their 50s, according to the press release sent just before noon. No further information on the patient was released.
The county wrote in its press release that public health was working to identify and contact everyone who may have come into contact with the confirmed case, and that the investigation is ongoing.
Pierce County also saw its number of confirmed cases jump to 17, the data show.
Number of cases and deaths reported Wednesday
▪ King County: 234, 26 deaths.
▪ Snohomish County: 68, 2 deaths.
▪ Pierce County: 17, no deaths.
▪ Kitsap County: 2, no deaths.
▪ Kittitas County: 2, no deaths.
▪ Grant County: 1, 1 death.
▪ Clark, Island, Jefferson, Skagit, Thurston and Whatcom counties report a case each.
Total tests
▪ Positive: 366.
▪ Negative: 3,037.
Source: Washington state Department of Health
Public Health officials recommend taking these typical measures to prevent the spread of viral illness
▪ Wash your hands often;
▪ Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
▪ Avoiding contact with people who are sick;
▪ Staying at home while sick;
▪ Sanitizing surfaces;
▪ Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 2:44 PM.
