Big week for COVID in the Coulee area

Another 20 COVID cases have been reported in the Grand Coulee and Electric City area of Grant County since just last week, making up 23.5% of the total cases in the area since the start of the pandemic.

Grant County Health District has reported additional cases in updates from Aug. 18, 19, 20, 23, and 24, bringing the total in the Grand Coulee/Electric City area from 65 to 85.

Coulee City, Hartline, and “Almira Rural” cases total 78, up from 75 last week.

The GCHD reported 12 additional Covid deaths on Aug. 24, bringing the county’s total to 146. 

Among those who died, 75% had underlying health conditions, and 83% were not fully vaccinated.

The deaths, which must be verified with a death certificate, include seven Moses Lake residents, with one man in his 40s, one in his 60s, two in their 80s, one his 90s, and a woman in her 80s; three Quincy residents — a woman in her 50s, a man in his 80s and another in his 90s; a Beverly man in his 60s; a Mattawa man in his 70s; and a Soap Lake man in his 70s.

“Anyone can have COVID-19 and not know they are contagious,” GCHD said in a statement. “COVID-19 is easily spread to close contacts, friends, family and loved ones before a person knows they are unintentionally spreading the virus. Please do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, continue to mask-up, social distance and avoid group gatherings.”

Okanogan Public Health said Coulee Dam has seen six new cases in the past week, for a total of 76, including two new cases reported Aug. 20, and one Aug. 21.

Nespelem has seen three more cases for a total of 88. Elmer City has remained at 20 total cases.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, 49.9% of those 12 and older are fully vaccinated in Grant County; 58.6% in Okanogan County; 45.8% in Lincoln County; 56.5% in Douglas County; and 38.3% in Ferry County.

This compares to 63% statewide.