Inslee: Time to ‘double down’ as COVID activity risesFree

SPOKANE — After a two-month decline and plateau, Gov. Jay Inslee said COVID-19 is on the rise in the state and residents need to take steps to make sure it does not “take off.”

Several data indicators, from daily hospitalizations to the number of Washington residents testing positive, are on the uptick statewide.

The rolling average number of daily confirmed cases in Washington is hovering around 400 in recent days. The number of state residents testing positive is also on an upward trend at 3.3%. That percentage is much higher in some regions. In Spokane County, 11% of people tested are positive in the most recent timeframe for which data is available.

Because people will be spending more time indoors in colder weather, Inslee urged residents to wear masks and socially distance when they are visiting friends or family.

The state will mount a new public relations effort to remind people to take precautions in the fall and winter.

He repeated that, while counties remain in the phases most have been in for months, the state is taking steps to allow certain businesses and industries to open anyway by adhering to standards tailored for them. Most recently, the state released standards for opening bowling alleys and small convention spaces, and is expected to announce protocols for other businesses next week.