October 30, 2020
Today, Washington state reported 1,047 new COVID cases in a single day. Today’s number is a new daily high since mid-July.
In light of a potential fall surge, the Department of Health recently encouraged Washingtonians to flatten the curve once again. In today’s numbers, we see more evidence that the surge isn’t coming – it’s here. These upward trends threaten the progress we’ve made toward containment, and could impede other important statewide progress in the future.
“We are also concerned about the risk of overwhelming our hospital systems when we see cases spike like this,” says Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer. “Our hospitals do not have unlimited capacity.”
Going into the weekend, DOH would like to underscore the importance of:
- Wearing a mask, even with people you see regularly and in your smallest social circles and anytime you are using shared transportation, including while in your own vehicle with other people.
- Keeping gatherings small and hold them outside whenever possible.
- Avoiding any social gatherings indoors, but if you must participate, wearing a mask and ensuring windows and doors are open to maximize ventilation.
- Washing or sanitizing hands often and not touching your face.
- Staying home if you’re sick or if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.
“Winter weather will challenge us to move gatherings indoors where COVID-19 spreads more easily,” said Dr. Lofy, “so we have to stay vigilant and find safer alternatives.”