Local COVID-19 cases still on the rise

WALLA WALLA—Walla Walla County continues to experience rising COVID-19 cases. As of Tuesday, November 24, there were 571 active cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Sixty-seven new cases were announced on Tuesday, and new deaths were announced over the weekend, bringing the death total to 18. Fourteen COVID-19 cases are currently hospitalized.

The Washington State Penitentiary has 117 active cases from a recent breakout. One man, in his sixties, passed away after being transported to a medical facility for treatment. This is the third death reported by the Washington State Department of Corrections. Two deaths occurred earlier this year at the Coyote Ridge Correctional Facility in Connell, WA.

In Walla Walla County, the 20-39-year age range has the highest number of cases, with more than 800 individuals contracting the disease. 40-59 years have the second-highest infection count, with 616 infected individuals.

Due to an increased volume of COVID-19 lab testing results, there is a statewide delay in data reporting, and the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health will update data categories as they get new information.

If you feel ill and believe you need a COVID-19 test, there are many testing sites throughout Walla Walla.

• Urgent Care COVID-19 Drive-Thru testing: Daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (509) 897-3000. No appointment is necessary. 1025 S. Second Ave, Walla Walla. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Urgent Care Drive-Thru is currently testing: symptomatic patients, pre-procedure, pre-air travel, and asymptomatic exposure (an individual who has had unmasked contact with a COVID-19 positive person within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes. Please note: 5-7 days from exposure must have passed before asymptomatic testing will be allowed.)

• Providence Urgent Care: COVID-19 Testing available daily from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. with provider visit. No appointment is necessary. (509) 897-3000. 1025 S. Second Ave, Walla Walla. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

• Family Medical Center: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please call in advance to schedule an appointment: (509)524-5340. 1120 West Rose Street, Walla Walla. Closed Thanksgiving. Open Friday 11/27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Walla Walla Clinic: Testing is available by scheduled appointment. Please call in advance: (509) 525-3720. Non-established patients will be directed to register via phone before arrival. Testing Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cold and Flu Clinic at 320 Willow Street, Walla Walla. Closed on Thanksgiving. Open Friday, 11/27.

• Rite-Aid: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Must pre-schedule appointment online at riteaid.com.

• Providence St. Mary Medical Center ER: Daily, 24-hour emergency care. Please only go to the ER if you are having a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing. 401 W. Poplar St., Walla Walla, (509) 676-3743

• Walla Walla County Department of Community Health: as needed for outbreak/facility testing

As the holiday season approaches, both local and state government officials urge residents to stay home for Thanksgiving, reminding everyone that this change is only temporary.