Case counts on the rise again in Chelan & Douglas counties

East Wenatchee, WA – The COVID-19 case count for Chelan and Douglas counties this week climbed back to more than 200 cases per 100,000 people, a number the area has not seen since mid-September.

The current case count is at 240.4 cases per 100,000 people. In the last 14 days, the health district has reported 290 new cases of COVID-19 between the two counties and four new deaths related to COVID-19.

The last time the area was at over 200 cases per 100,000 people was during the week of Sept. 14.

The Washington State Department of Health last week warned that coronavirus activity was intensifying across the state, both on the western and eastern sides of the state. The increases seen locally mimic what is going on around the state, said Dr. Malcolm Butler, health officer for the Chelan-Douglas Health District.

“It is pretty clear now that here in Chelan and Douglas counties, we are rising up into our third wave,” Butler said. “From our data, we also can see that locally the 20 to 39 age group is the main group spreading the virus in our community.”

The health district reminds the community that it is more important than ever to not stray from masking, social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions.

“Responsible gathering will play a key factor in how our case numbers grow in the coming weeks,” Butler said. “Our hospital is not overburdened with COVID patients. Let’s work hard to keep it that way.”

The health district recommends wearing a mask around people you don’t live with (even close friends and family) and limiting the number, size and frequency of gatherings. Wash your hands frequently, get your flu shot and stay home if you’re sick.

If you do choose to gather with others, there are steps you can take to reduce risk. You can get tips for responsible gatherings and ideas for alternative celebrations at www.coronavirus.wa.gov/gatherings.

For more information, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov/covid-19. Follow CDHD on Facebook and Twitter.

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