11 New Coronavirus Deaths, 694 Additional Cases In Washington

SEATTLE, WA — State health officials reported 11 additional deaths and 694 new coronavirus cases in Washington on Friday, amid a recent pattern of growth reported both locally and nationally.

Per the latest available information, 88,810 patients have tested positive in the state since the crisis began, and 2,143 people have died from complications linked to COVID-19. At least 3,878 new illnesses have been confirmed in Washington over the last seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's case tracker.

Many of Washington's counties still show a rate of cases by population higher than the target threshold of 25 cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days. At least 14 of the state's counties remain in the highest transmission bracket, and seven counties are in the moderate range.

As of Friday, health labs had processed more than 1.9 million tests in Washington since the public health crisis began.

Recent data indicates a surge in coronavirus cases

Coronavirus case counts rose in nearly three dozen states since late August, the Washington Post reported Friday. According to federal data, approximately 40,000 illnesses and 700 deaths are reported across the country each day.

The upward trend is also true in parts of Washington, including in King County, where public health officials said recent spikes should serve as a "wake-up call" heading into the colder months.

"We are entering a very challenging time, both locally and nationally, with respect to COVID," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for King County. "I implore people to step back for a minute, to remember what works and to rededicate themselves to doing everything they can do as individuals — and that we can do as a community — to minimize the potential for a great degree of illness and suffering this fall and winter."

Following a steady decline in coronavirus activity since late-July, the state's most populous county has seen a concerning increase both in case counts and testing positive rates in recent weeks. As more people head indoors as the weather cools, Duchin said there is a potential for a "significantly larger outbreak" than previously seen, unless more people change their behavior and fully commit to public health precautions.

Read more: Coronavirus Activity Is Increasing In King County, Officials Warn

State health officials share Halloween health tips, safe alternatives

As the pandemic remains in full swing, Halloween is likely to look a lot different this year. On Friday, the Washington State Department of Health shared a few tips for safe celebrations and a few ways to stay healthy while having fun.

General ways to stay safe during the holiday:

• Wear a cloth face covering anytime you are with people not from your household, whether indoors or outside.

• Avoid confined spaces. Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities, but if you’re indoors, make sure to have proper ventilation, and even open doors and windows to the extent possible.

• Avoid close contact with people outside of your household. Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not part of your household.

• Wash or sanitize your hands (and the hands of little ones) often.

• Stay home if you are sick or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. And if you have symptoms or you’ve been a close contact of someone with COVID-19, get a COVID-19 test.

If you go trick-or-treating:

• Stick with members of your household and keep at least 6 feet of distance from others.

• Wear a cloth mask, and remember: a plastic costume mask is not a suitable substitute.

• Wash your hands before and after trick-or-treating.

• Bring plenty of hand sanitizer.

If you give out treats:

• Limit candy to individually wrapped treat bags. This reduces the number of people who would typically touch items in a communal bowl.

• If possible, place treats on a table in your driveway or yard to avoid crowds at your front door. To see trick-or-treaters, sit in a chair in your driveway, garage, yard, or porch and maintain at least 6 feet of distance from the treat table.

• Place a few mini pumpkins or other decorations 6 feet apart to signal a line and keep trick-or-treaters distanced while waiting for treats.

The safest alternatives:

• Have a scavenger hunt at home. Dress up and hide candy or other treats throughout the house or yard.

• Have a Halloween movie marathon with household members.

• Host an online costume or pumpkin carving contest.

Read the complete "Tips for a Safer Halloween."

Total coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths by county:

The above numbers are provided by the state Department of Health, and some numbers differ from the totals provided separately by county health agencies.

This article originally appeared on the Redmond Patch