COVID-19 outbreaks continue in Yakima County
YAKIMA COUNTY -- COVID-19 outbreaks continue to occur in Yakima County, especially in congregate living facilities.
According to Yakima Health District, on October 20, there were 16 active COVID outbreaks in Yakima County, of which, five are from assisted living facilities and five are from long term care facilities.
YHD says the other six outbreaks are from an addiction treatment center, a jail, a wildfire camp, a homeless shelter, a moving company and a golf club.
Health officials say that all COVID-19 outbreaks are significant but are especially concerning when in congregate settings because the virus can spread quickly between individuals who live together.
YHD says they will continue to work with facilities that have outbreaks to provide education, guidance, and recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“COVID-19 cases and outbreaks are preventable, and we must continue to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. We want to help our healthcare system, which is already overburdened with many hospital admissions and ER visits. The number of hospital admissions and ER visits would be much closer to normal if there were fewer COVID-19 associated cases admitted to the hospitals. This extra burden to our healthcare system is preventable. Vaccination greatly reduces the chance of severe illness and hospital admission. Getting vaccinated and following public health recommendations is the best way to help our hospitals and health care providers.” -Dr. Neil Barg, Health Officer, Yakima Health District
