Coronavirus In Redmond: The Week In Review

REDMOND, WA — Washington has again broken its daily coronavirus record, surging beyond 2,000 new cases for the first time since the pandemic began. On Friday, the Washington State Department of Health added 2,142 illnesses and a dozen deaths to its official tally. The state has recorded more than 1,000 positive tests every day since Nov. 4.

The DOH addressed the latest figures in a news release published Friday night:

"Just two weeks ago, we announced 1,000 new cases in a day for the first time since mid-summer. And, each day this week we have reported over 1,000 new cases per day. This rapid escalation is extremely alarming.

The fall surge, which is getting worse every day, has erased the notable progress that Washingtonians made this summer. A dozen counties (including the five largest) are seeing steep increases in cases and they’re following a troubling nationwide trend."

The state's unwelcome milestone comes amid a nationwide surge in illness and rapidly growing hospitalizations among COVID-19 patients. Across the United States, a record 170,000 cases were reported Friday, along with an all-time high in current hospitalizations, according to data from the COVID Tracking Project.

Our daily update is published. States reported a record 1.7 million tests, 170k cases, and 69k current COVID-19 hospitalizations. The death toll was 1,301. pic.twitter.com/P11appz1Uj
— The COVID Tracking Project (@COVID19Tracking) November 13, 2020

In Washington, 11,257 illnesses were reported over the last seven days, amid repeated calls from state officials and health experts to limit social activities and cancel holiday plans with those outside the household.

According to the state's risk assessment dashboard, the two-week rate of cases per 100,000 people is more than six times the target threshold, and the overall testing positivity rate has grown to 5.3 percent. Total hospitalizations have increased by 475 since last Friday, and another 80 people have died.

Since the pandemic began in spring, Washington has seen 125,498 coronavirus infections, and 9,266 people have died from COVID-19 complications.

In Redmond, Public Health - Seattle & King County recorded eight cases Friday, with 52 illnesses and no new hospitalizations or deaths resulting from the coronavirus over the past two weeks. The city's 14-day testing positivity rate is at 3 percent, while King County's overall positivity rate has risen to 5.4 percent.

Highest weekly case increases (Nov. 6 - Nov. 13)

• King County: +3,211 cases (+131 hospitalizations)
• Spokane County: +1,430 cases (+61 hospitalizations)
• Pierce County: +1,333 cases (+71 hospitalizations)
• Snohomish County: +1,147 cases (+50 hospitalizations)
• Clark County: +780 cases (+31 hospitalizations)

Catch up on this week's headlines:

Health officials sound the alarm as a third coronavirus surge barrels toward the holidays

The state's leading health officials called an urgent news conference Tuesday, flagging alarming trends in disease spread and hospitalizations.

Washington's latest statewide situation report found case counts and hospitalizations were already increasing on both sides of the Cascades from mid-to-late October, even before the record-breaking numbers reached throughout much of November. Officials said hospitalizations are already rising in many areas, including by at least 30 percent in King County and doubling in Snohomish County.

"We all need to do our part to flatten the curve once again," said Dr. Kathy Lofy, the state health officer. "Ideally, we should probably all stop socializing for the next several weeks to slow down the disease that is rapidly spreading through our state."

Informal gatherings among family and friends outside the immediate household are a major area of concern in Washington and across the country. As Thanksgiving approaches, health leaders are worried that traditional holiday plans, including group meals and travel, could push coronavirus activity to the point where tragedy is inevitable.

"Our neighbors in Canada celebrated their Thanksgiving about a month ago and saw large increases in cases following that," said Lacy Fehrenbach, the state's deputy secretary for COVID-19 response. "We cannot afford that in Washington state. Any in-person gathering is risky right now, both for those that attend that gathering and because it can further accelerate the spread of the pandemic."

Since surges in hospitalizations and deaths are "lagging indicators," meaning they often appear weeks after a spike in cases begins, public health officials fear the state is already in the beginning stages of what could become an overwhelming situation -- especially without action now.

"We are deeply concerned about an impending crisis, and you should be concerned, too," said Dr. Chris Spitters, health officer for Snohomish County. "While I think we are already in the beginning of such a hospital surge and alarm bells do seem to be sounding, I believe, with a concerted effort, we can alter the course we are on now."

Read more: As Coronavirus Surges In WA, Health Officials Sound The Alarm

Inslee calls on Washingtonians to stay home for Thanksgiving, hints at new restrictions next week

Gov. Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, delivered a televised address to Washingtonians Thursday evening, pleading residents to reconsider their holiday plans through the end of the year, starting with Thanksgiving.

"What happens next in our state depends on what happens in our families and in our homes," Inslee said. "That's why we implore you to rethink spending time with people from outside your household on Thanksgiving and the December holidays."

Please - do not gather with anyone outside your household. It’s just too dangerous. Not forever, but for now. pic.twitter.com/cZs1FygoEd
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 13, 2020

The governor echoed public health guidance that the safest celebrations can only be accomplished within the household. Anyone who chooses to gather with others should limit it to no more than five people, consider meeting outdoors and quarantine for 14 days before the event -- a clock that started ticking Thursday.

During his brief remarks, Inslee also acknowledged the challenge of pandemic fatigue, and the emotional effects of missing out on family time over the holidays, but said if everyone chipped in this year, he was hopeful for a return to normalcy next season.

"Here's some good news: We're only going to have to do this once," Inslee said. "This is a unique Thanksgiving and holiday season. We're thankful that more therapeutics are on the way, as is the imminent arrival of a vaccine. There is a lot more at our disposal to fight this virus than there was when the pandemic began. We are optimistic that Thanksgiving 2021 will be the best ever."

Inslee's speech did not include new restrictions, as some had expected, but the governor said such announcements were likely next week.

"In the next few days, we will be announcing some further measures to prevent this from spreading," Inslee said. "These decisions will affect what we do outside the home, but what's most urgent right now is what we do in our own dwellings."

Read more: Inslee Asks Washington To Stay Home For The Holidays

Oregon imposes COVID-19 'freeze,' restricts bars and restaurants

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown took one of the most significant steps in the nation Friday, as Oregon logged its second consecutive day with more than 1,000 new COVID-19 illnesses.

Brown's new restrictions will go into effect Wednesday, Nov. 18, and limit bars and restaurants to takeout only, while capping grocery and retail stores at 75 percent capacity. Other restrictions include firm limits on in-home gatherings and attendance at religious services.

Willamette Week reports the restrictions will be in place for at least two weeks for most of Oregon, while Multnomah County's freeze will continue for a month. Brown also asked Oregon State Police to consult with local jurisdictions about enforcing the mandates on private gatherings, which lead to misdemeanor citations or arrests.

Washington joins California and Oregon in issuing travel advisories

The morning after the governor's televised address, Inslee issued a travel advisory asking travelers quarantine a full 14 days before leaving or entering the state. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued similar advisories, creating a consistent guideline along the west coast.

"COVID-19 does not stop at state lines," Brown said. "As hospitals across the West are stretched to capacity, we must take steps to ensure travelers are not bringing this disease home with them. If you do not need to travel, you shouldn't."

Read more: Travel Advisory Asks Washingtonians To Quarantine Before Leaving

Steps to reduce COVID-19 transmission as the holidays approach, from the Washington State Department of Health:

• Limit in-person gatherings as much as you can. That means reducing the number of times you gather, how many people attend and how long you spend together. Gather outside if possible, or open windows and doors to maximize ventilation inside.
• Always wear a face covering when you’re around people who don’t live with you. This includes close friends and family. It may feel awkward to do this around people we know well and trust, but many people get COVID-19 from someone who doesn’t have symptoms yet. Even if you’re keeping some physical distance, it’s still a good idea to wear a face covering.
• Talk to your family and friends about alternate ways to celebrate the holidays. Brainstorm ideas for virtual celebrations so you can still enjoy spending time together without putting each other at risk.
• Make a safety plan for in-person gatherings. Have a conversation with your family and friends about what you’re going to do to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19 when you gather.
• Stay home if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. If you’re feeling a little under the weather but aren’t sure if you’re getting sick, take the cautious approach and protect others by staying home.
• Keep up your good hygiene habits. Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face.

Study: COVID-19 twice as deadly as the flu in hospitalized patients

A University of Washington study published Friday found a stark difference in mortality rates between those hospitalized with COVID-19 and patients with severe flu cases. Researchers examined the medical records of 65 critically-ill COVID-19 patients that were hospitalized at UW Medicine hospitals, along with 75 patients hospitalized with influenza A or B.

The study found 40 percent of the COVID-19 patients died from their illness, while 19 percent of influenza patients did, regardless of age, gender, or pre-existing health conditions.

UW Medicine said one factor in the discrepancy could be the more severe impact the coronavirus has on patients' lungs. The patients studied were also more likely to develop ARDS, a respiratory syndrome that can be deadly.

"The finding that ARDS may be more prevalent among critically ill patients with COVID is important in understanding why there may be a mortality difference between the two diseases," wrote Dr. Natalie Cobb. "We also found that patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 had a trend toward worse clinical outcomes than ARDS patients with influenza."

Another factor, researchers found, is the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 illness on minority groups and social and economic inequalities.

Read more: COVID-19 Twice As Deadly As Flu In Hospitalized Patients: Study

Total coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths by county:

Editors note: Patch is now updating these totals on a weekly, rather than daily, basis. Readers should keep in mind that the increases below represent infections, hospitalizations and deaths over a seven-day period.

County	Confirmed Cases	Hospitalizations	Deaths
Adams	1,075 (+88)	64 (+6)	11
Asotin	470 (+143)	28 (+2)	10 (+1)
Benton	6,290 (+600)	439 (+13)	140 (+3)
Chelan	2,148 (+88)	91 (+3)	20 (+1)
Clallam	299 (+19)	13 (+2)	3 (+2)
Clark	5,722 (+780)	420 (+31)	100 (+12)
Columbia	23 (+1)	4	2 (+1)
Cowlitz	990 (+94)	54 (+4)	8 (+1)
Douglas	1,275 (+23)	62 (+2)	11 (+1)
Ferry	39 (+3)	2	1
Franklin	5,317 (+257)	350 (+10)	69
Garfield	46 (+8)	1 (+1)	0
Grant	3,604 (+171)	192 (+8)	30 (+1)
Grays Harbor	836 (+64)	53 (+4)	15 (+3)
Island	485 (+58)	43	12
Jefferson	106 (+15)	13 (+1)	0
King	33,043 (+3,211)	2,792 (+131)	836 (+14)
Kitsap	1,887 (+216)	130 (+12)	26 (+3)
Kittitas	792 (+13)	26	22 (-1)
Klickitat	230 (+11)	14 (+2)	3
Lewis	897 (+115)	63 (+5)	13
Lincoln	93 (+10)	4 (+1)	2
Mason	602 (+44)	35 (+4)	10
Okanogan	1,146 (+8)	64	11
Pacific	164 (+40)	9 (+1)	3
Pend Oreille	178 (+20)	10	1
Pierce	12,547 (+1,333)	1,118 (+71)	247 (+13)
San Juan	44 (+8)	2	0
Skagit	1,540 (+170)	115 (+8)	25 (-1)
Skamania	80 (+7)	5	1
Snohomish	10,874 (+1,147)	992 (+50)	247 (+7)
Spokane	11,879 (+1,430)	763 (+61)	221 (+9)
Stevens	404 (+83)	28 (+4)	6
Thurston	2,143 (+335)	172 (+13)	38
Wahkiakum	11	0	0
Walla Walla	1,652 (+252)	94 (+8)	14 (+4)
Whatcom	1,822 (+140)	118 (+6)	52 (+1)
Whitman	1,956 (+77)	36 (+2)	23 (+2)
Yakima	12,354 (+215)	838 (+9)	283 (+3)
Unassigned	424 (+39)	9 (-1)	3
Total	125,498 (+11,257)	9,266 (+475)	2,519 (+80)

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