Washington state ranks in the most dangerous COVID-19 "red zone" following a spike of new cases, according to KOMO. Spokane, King and Pierce counties reported the highest rates, according to a White House report.
A White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing for governors revealed that the Evergreen State "continued to break records for new daily cases over the past two weeks. Washington is in the red zone for cases, indicating 101 or more new cases per 100,000 population."
The report, dated Nov. 15, showed that Washington saw an increase in both new cases and the rate test positivity. Daily cases are doubling every 11 days, it added.
"The highest incidences of coronavirus are in Eastern Washington and in the Puget Sound area of Western Washington. Spokane, King and Pierce counties reported the highest rates, representing 52.4% of new cases in Washington," KOMO wrote. "Small personal gatherings were believed to be responsible for a large proportion of cases."
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has enacted more COVID-19 restrictions in the state to curb rapid spread of the novel virus. The briefing shows the task force has backed his measures. Business owners have not reacted well to these guidelines, and fear for the state economy. He has also encouraged Washingtonians to quarantine for 14 days before Thanksgiving next week.
The briefing also recommends more measures, such as public health messaging around the risks of social gathering, face coverings, social distancing, rigorous testing and contact tracing.
Even though Washington state is a red zone, KOMO said the it could be worse. The Dakotas, Iowa and Colorado are not faring any better than Washington, according to the briefing. Officials said these "have seen a 'relentless' increase in recent days."
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