Inslee statement on new report on COVID-19 activity increasing in Washington

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement on June 13 after the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report, which shows COVID-19 transmission continued to increase throughout Washington, as of the end of May.

“Washingtonians have done the hard work to flatten the curve on COVID-19 and we know this has been tremendously difficult for families, businesses and communities over the past few months. But today’s report shows us there is still reason for strong concern in parts of our state. The report estimates cases and deaths will soon increase substantially if COVID-19 continues to spread at current levels.

“The cases in Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties are of particular concern. I joined the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) this morning as they shared data with leaders in these three counties. This data will force us to look for some creative solutions and strengthen our strong local - state partnerships to address the disease activity.

“To continue tackling this virus, we must increase testing and mask-wearing, and maintain physical distancing and hospital capacity, as well as target interventions for high-risk populations such as long-term care facilities and indoors, including close proximity workplace operations, such as food processing and agricultural housing.

“This is not the time to give up on efforts to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. We are still in the middle of a pandemic that is continuing to infect and kill Washingtonians.”