Health authorities report 16 more coronavirus deaths in WashingtonFree

SEATTLE — Health authorities on Saturday reported 16 more coronavirus deaths in Washington, bringing the total to at least 491 in the state, and released more detailed information about hospitalizations and the racial breakdown of people with COVID-19.

The Washington State Department of Health reported there were more than 10,200 confirmed cases. Authorities also had some numbers about the race and ethnicity of coronavirus cases, however that information was unavailable for more than half of the positive results. Of the cases where race and ethnicity was established, 58% were non-Hispanic white, 22% were Hispanic, 9% were Asian and 6% were black.

Of thte 491 deaths, authorities say the race and ethnicity wasn’t known for 191. Of the remaining COVID-19 fatalities, the health department said 76% were non-Hispanic white, 10% were Asian, 7% Hispanic and 3% black.

Nationally, many minority communities have been hit disproportionately hard by COVID-19.

Authorities also released information showing that the number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state was remaining relatively stable. As of Friday, 78 hospitals reported 642 COVID-19 cases, with 191 people in intensive care.

Health officials say a steady decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations is one of them metrics that will be evaluated to determine when social-distancing orders can be released.

The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most patients, and the vast majority recover. But it is highly contagious and can be spread by those who appear healthy and can cause severe illness and death in some patients, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.