Clark County reported 76 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths Thursday as disease activity moved closer to last week’s level.
The new fatalities were a man in his 70s and a man age 80 or older, both with underlying health conditions, according to Clark County Public Health. Their deaths increase the county’s total to 263.
Deaths are added to the county’s total 10 to 12 days after they occur. Four deaths have been reported this week, according to Public Health data.
The new cases include 63 confirmed by molecular (PCR) testing, bringing the county’s total to 22,784 to date, and 13 probable cases diagnosed using antigen testing, pushing that total to 1,244 to date, according to Public Health data.
The county has been averaging about 81 new cases a day since Friday, close to last week’s average of about 80 cases a day and lower than the previous week’s average of about 95 cases a day, according to Public Health data.
The number of active cases, counting confirmed and probable cases still in their isolation period, rose to 630 on Thursday, up from 612 on Wednesday, according to Public Health data.
Hospitalizations rose on Thursday, with 46 people hospitalized with COVID-19, up from 39 on Wednesday, and two people hospitalized awaiting test results, down from three on Wednesday, Public Health reported.
On Thursday, 8.3 percent of all licensed hospital beds were occupied by people with or suspected of having COVID-19, according to Public Health, which also reported that 93.8 percent of the county’s licensed ICU beds were occupied, though not necessarily by COVID-19 patients.
Anyone age 16 or older is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and anyone age 12 or older is eligible to be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, though a parent or legal guardian must accompany minors ages 12 to 15. Underage teens are advised to check with vaccination sites about what sort of parental consent might be needed.
Vaccinations are available without an appointment at a number of sites in Clark County, including the Tower Mall vaccination site at 5403 E. Mill Plain Blvd. in Vancouver.
More information about opportunities for vaccination is available on Clark County Public Health’s COVID-19 vaccine information website. Appointments at a number of locations throughout Clark County can be scheduled through the Washington Department of Health Vaccine Locator.
Those who do not have internet access or need help scheduling an appointment can call Public Health from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 888-225-4625. Call center representatives can assist with scheduling. Language assistance is available.
