Case counts on the rise in Walla Walla County

WALLA WALLA—Walla Walla County’s COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Since May 31, fifteen additional residents have had confirmed positive test results. These new cases, as well as the County’s threshold for number of individuals tested for each new case during the prior week will prevent the County from advancing to Phase 3.

The recent rise of new cases in Benton and Franklin Counties is much more serious, with both Counties still in Phase 1, neither are eligible in any of the four metrics for advancement to Phase 2.

Franklin County reported 195 new cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks and Benton County reported 92 new cases per 100,000 people. To be considered for approval to move to Phase 2, counties must be under 25 new cases per 100,000 people over a two week period.

Other Counties still in Phase 1 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan include Yakima, King, Chelan and Douglas.

Yakima County continues its struggle to gain control over the virus’ spread, with a report of 594 new cases per 100 thousand residents over the past two weeks. The County reports 4,665 cases and 101 deaths to date.