Clark County’s COVID-19 activity rate saw its largest decrease since March this week.
The COVID-19 activity rate, which measures new cases per 100,000 population over seven days, fell from 217.3 last week to 157.9 as of Thursday, according to Clark County Public Health data.
After a precipitous fall in February and March following the omicron surge, the rate began rising in April. It decreased for the first time since early April last week.
Hospitalizations and deaths rose this week, however, and hospitalizations remain high.
As of Tuesday, 96.9 percent of Clark County hospital beds and 98.1 percent of ICU beds were occupied. Hospitals reported that 60 beds — accounting for 26.7 percent of hospital beds and 9.4 percent of ICU beds — were occupied by people with or suspected of having COVID-19.
Twelve new deaths from COVID-19 were reported this week. The deaths include one man in his 40s, one woman in her 50s, two men and two women in their 60s, one man and one woman in their 70s and three men and one woman age 80 or older.
The new deaths push the total number of people who have died from COVID-19 in Clark County to 827. Deaths are added to the county’s total typically 10 to 12 days after they occur.
Public Health reported 905 new cases this week, for 95,036 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.
Throughout March, April and May, multiple counties in Washington fluctuated between low, medium and high risk. During the week of May 26, King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, Clallam, Jefferson and Walla Walla counties were all at medium risk. This week, only two counties in Washington remain at medium risk: King and Snohomish.
The Washington State Department of Health reported that as of June 6, 66.2 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.
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.
