8 More Deaths, 479 New Coronavirus Cases In Washington

SEATTLE — State health officials reported 479 coronavirus cases and eight additional deaths in Washington on Friday.

Per the latest data, 76,335 patients have tested positive in the state since the crisis began, and at least 1,953 patients have died from complications linked to COVID-19. According to the state, approximately 293 patients with confirmed or suspected illnesses are currently hospitalized. Overall, hospitalizations have continued to trend downward.

At least 3,153 new illnesses have been confirmed in Washington over the last seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s case tracker. The number of new cases reported statewide has shown steady improvement in recent weeks. However, much of Washington’s counties still show a rate of cases by population much higher than the target threshold of 25 cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days.

The highest case totals reported Friday were in King, Pierce and Whitman counties.

Health labs have processed at least 1,534,090 tests in Washington since the public health crisis began.

Public health officials urge safe celebrations over Labor Day weekend

With a long holiday weekend upon us, state health officials are asking Washingtonians to make safety a priority as they celebrate the unofficial end of summer. Public health agencies across the country are hoping to avoid a surge in cases seen over Memorial Day and Fourth of July, which could prove especially detrimental to recovery efforts heading into the critical fall months ahead.

Here are a few pointers from the Washington State Department of Health:

• Online gatherings are the safest option

• Seeing people outside is safer than inside

• Small groups are safer than large groups

• Less time together is safer than more time together

• Within six feet, face coverings with people outside your household really are a must

• No communal food or drinks

• Skip the hugs and handshakes

• If you aren’t feeling well, stay home this weekend

Recommended weekend activities:

Story continues

• Walking, running and hiking

• Rollerblading and biking

• Golfing

• Camping

• Kayaking, boating and sailing

• Fitness classes, held outside, that allow distance

• Venture out to a local farm or orchard… With fall around the corner, and many farms with plentiful crops ready to harvest across the state, the Washington State Department of Health is now allowing U-Pick farm operations, indoor retail and indoor food service in counties in modified phase 1 of the Safe Start plan. Other agritourism activities in the state’s Phase 2 agritourism guidance are not currently permitted in modified phase 1 counties.

Read more about the state’s holiday safety tips on the Department of Health’s blog.

Health experts share advice on coping with pandemic-related stress and trauma

As the public health crisis stretches beyond six months, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is sharing some advice on how to deal with the prolonged absence of normal life, special events and physical touch.

Health officials say feelings of powerlessness can increase anxiety, depression and anger, and it’s important to find ways to reconnect with the community, find your sense of self and “reclaim control of your life through mindfulness.”

Here’s a few more tips:

• Keep in contact with loved ones. Try calling, texting, or taking part in a video chat.

• Take a walk in the park.

• Think about what you can control, versus what you cannot.

• Focus on resilience and flexibility.

• Mind your mental health.

• Try to develop a new sense of purpose.

• Finally, focus on hope. Know that the pandemic won’t last forever.

Sunday also marks the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Week. Anyone in need can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Find a full list of local crisis phone numbers here.

Read more: Local Health Experts Share Tips On Coping With Coronavirus Trauma

Total coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths by county:

The above numbers are provided by the state Department of Health, and some numbers differ from the totals provided separately by county health agencies.

This article originally appeared on the Seattle Patch