Concern in Benton, Franklin, Spokane and Yakima counties as COVID-19 infections rise sharply

OLYMPIA—Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on Saturday, June 13, which shows COVID-19 transmission continued to increase in eastern Washington as of the end of May, with a possible uptick in western Washington as well. There are still significant differences in transmission from county to county.

The situation in eastern Washington is of greatest concern, particularly in Benton, Franklin, Spokane and Yakima counties. The report estimates cases and deaths in these counties will soon increase substantially if COVID-19 continues to spread at...