Washington Surpasses 5,000 COVID-19 Deaths

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Health has reported its 5,000th COVID-19 related death. Wednesday evening, the state health agency confirmed 24 additional deaths due to the pandemic, pushing the state from 4,988 over the edge to 5,012 killed.

As the news broke, state leaders took the time to look back at our pandemic year, and mourn those who have been lost.

"As we recognize the loss of 5,000 Washingtonians to COVID-19, let us both mourn for the families who have lost loved ones and be thankful for the Washingtonians who have pitched in to prevent further passing," said Gov. Jay Inslee. "Each of these 5,000 lives were more than a number to us. Each represents the loss of a unique individual who has left an empty chair in the lives of family, friends, and community."

The department of health shared similar sentiments, sending its condolences to those who have lost friends and loved ones.

“I stand with all Washingtonians who are profoundly impacted by this heartbreaking milestone,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah. “We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost a loved one. We honor their lives and are united in grief and sorrow.”

Shah is asking Washingtonians to mourn the lost with a moment of silence beginning at noon Thursday.

While Washington is mourning, the governor says that the death toll could've been much higher and is thanking residents for doing their part to limit COVID-19 transmission.

"It is fitting and proper to be thankful for the efforts of our citizens to fight COVID-19," Inslee said. "Our residents have kept each other safe. If we had suffered the same death rate as other states, such as South Dakota, we would be mourning an 11,000 additional Washingtonians right now. Washingtonians do right by each other. We will continue to do all we can to help reduce infections, hospitalizations and deaths, so that more Washingtonians can emerge from this pandemic to enjoy healthy lives."

The latest data from the federal government reaffirms that the effort is paying off. The White House's COVID-19 State Profile Report, also released Wednesday, found Washington improved by almost every metric last week, including:

• A 9% decrease in COVID-19 related deaths over the week before.
• A 19% increase in lab testing.
• This is especially noteworthy as it is one of the few metrics the state had been falling behind on over the past month.
• A 28% decrease in new COVID-19 hospital admissions.
• A 0.3% decline in test positivity.

One notable failing is a 3% increase in new confirmed COVID-19 cases, though that is likely linked to the much larger increase in testing.

The report ends by ranking the states by deaths per 100,000 residents and, as the governor noted during his statement, Washington is performing well with the 10th lowest death rate out of all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.

That said, it still isn't the right time to throw all precautions to the wind. The recent appearance of two worrisome COVID-19 variants in Washington state and the lingering, high daily case counts mean that there is more work to be done, experts warn.

“The sad truth is that this pandemic is not over,” Shah said. “But there is also hope. We have the power to stop the spread of this virus. Please wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. It’s up to all of us to protect our families and communities. We will heal. We will recover. And we will never forget those we have lost.”