The week in numbers: 4M recoveries, 34,000 new cases in a day and a potential $1 COVID-19 drug

From June 13 through 19, there was news of potential game-changing, cost-effective developments in COVID-19 treatment. There were also signs that one country and several U.S. states may become new COVID-19 epicenters in the near future.

Walmart issues third coronavirus bonus to US workers

Hourly Walmart employees in the U.S. received another coronavirus bonus on Thursday, the company announced.The bonuses were broken down to $300 for full-time hourly employees and $150 for part-time hourly and temporary employees who were employed as of June 5.

Global COVID-19 cases surpass 10M, deaths near 500,000, according to Johns Hopkins

There are more than 10 million people across the world confirmed to have COVID-19, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.As of June 28, there were more than 10 million confirmed cases, close to 500,000 deaths and over 5 million recoveries globally.

Gov. Inslee announces pause on WA counties moving into Phase 4 due to rise in COVID-19 cases

Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced Saturday that the Washington State Department of Health is halting all state counties from moving into the Safe Start Plan Phase 4.

From quality, fit and material, what you need to know about picking a mask

By now you likely already know, if you plan on leaving the house, per the government mandate-you're going to need a mask. The good news is, there's a lot out there.

Thousands miss June rent payment, housing advocates warn of looming homeless crisis

Rent for the month of July is due in less than one week and an article in Friday’s Seattle Times reveals as many as 1 in 5 renters across the Seattle region might not be able to afford the payment.

Face mask requirement officially in place across Washington state

The start of summer 2020 is adding another layer to history. Face masks are mandatory across Washington state starting Friday with some exceptions.

Pet groomer charged, accused of defying Washington stay-home order

A woman is accused of violating Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order by reopening her pet grooming shop in Vancouver, Washington, in May.

Fauci on rising COVID-19 numbers: ‘We can be either part of the solution or part of the problem’

Dr. Anthony Fauci provided a solemn reminder on the need for Americans to consider their actions amid the COVID-19 pandemic during the first White House Coronavirus Task Force press briefing in nearly two months.

Microsoft to permanently close all physical stores

Microsoft said Friday it is permanently closing nearly all of its physical stores around the world.

Will Americans get a second coronavirus stimulus check? Your top questions answered

President Trump signaled this week that he supports sending a second round of direct cash payments to Americans still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic lockdown.

It could take until end of July before tens of thousands of unemployment claims in limbo are resolved

On Thursday, the Employment Security Department confirmed that they have identified a small group of people dealing with bank accounts being frozen by mistake as the state battles with fraudulent claims.

US sent $1.4 billion in coronavirus relief payments to dead people

Nearly 1.1 million coronavirus relief payments totaling some $1.4 billion went to dead people, a government watchdog reported Thursday.

Skagit County likely not eligible for Phase 3 of reopening

The road to Phase 3 in Governor Inslee's 'Safe Start Plan'  is proving to be difficult for a number of counties in Washington State and that includes Skagit County as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.