Clark County’s COVID-19 activity rate decreased this week for the first time since early April. Hospitalizations remain high, however.
The COVID-19 activity rate, which measures new cases per 100,000 population over seven days, fell from 217.5 last week to 217.3 as of Thursday, according to Clark County Public Health data.
New hospitalizations this week rose from 7.8 to 8 per 100,000 residents over seven days, according to Public Health.
As of Tuesday, 98 percent of Clark County hospital beds and 96.2 percent of ICU beds were occupied. Hospitals reported that 49 beds — accounting for 9 percent of hospital beds and 11.3 percent of ICU beds — were occupied by people with or suspected of having COVID-19.
Five new deaths from COVID-19 were reported this week. The deaths include one woman in her 40s, one man in his 60s, one woman in her 70s and two men age 80 or older.
The new deaths push the total number of people who have died from COVID-19 in Clark County to 816. Deaths are added to the county’s total typically 10 to 12 days after they occur.
Public Health reported 754 new cases this week, for 91,431 to date. The actual number of new cases is likely higher due to unreported at-home tests, according to Clark County Public Health officials.
If you test positive for COVID-19 with an at-home test, you can call the state’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-525-0127 to report your positive result.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Levels — a data tool that determines a county’s COVID-19 risk level based on its current number of cases, hospitalizations and overall hospital occupancy — Clark County remains at low risk.
Recommendations for residents of low-risk counties include staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and getting tested if you have symptoms. Masks are not required in low-risk counties, though masks and social distancing are still recommended for people at high risk for serious illness. Additionally, people who are exposed to COVID-19 or who are showing symptoms are still required to follow quarantine guidelines.
The Washington State Department of Health reported that as of May 30, 66.1 percent of Clark County residents age 5 or older were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters provide the best protection against COVID-19, according to Clark County Public Health.
Children 5 to 11 years old are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose in Washington and can receive a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine five months after completing their primary vaccine series. Immunocompromised children should receive their booster at least three months after their primary series, according to Public Health.
Find a vaccine
Here are ways you can find a vaccine location near you:
Washington residents can now access eight free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government’s test kit program. To place an order, go to www.COVIDtests.gov. Orders require a name and address, and the tests will be delivered to your door by the U.S. Postal Service at no cost.
If you need helping placing an order, call 800-232-0233.
