Legislature moves to expand nursing education in Washington

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated a health care staffing shortage in Washington, so the state Legislature this year provided more than $38 million to expand nursing programs statewide.

COVID spread putting 'serious stress' on state hospital system already at capacity

An increase in COVID-19 admissions is leading to serious over-capacity issues at many hospitals in the state, and is putting a ‘serious stress on the system,’ according to health officials.

Washington surpasses key COVID-19 metric that could trigger indoor mask mandate

A key metric Governor Jay Inslee used to determine the lifting of a state wide mask mandate in March has been surpassed by the recent surge of COVID infections.

NW Folklife Festival COVID protocols provide a look at what festival season could look like in 2022

The Northwest Folklife Festival has been virtual for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year they have new protocols in place to deal with the virus so in-person events are once again part of the celebration .

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept. reports 91 cases of COVID at 23 childcare facilities

In the last month, COVID outbreaks at businesses and childcare facilities have more than doubled in Pierce County, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD).

Poll: 1 in 3 Americans say COVID-19 is over amid rising cases

This poll comes as nearly every state experiences an increase in COVID-19 cases. Yet, daily cases are still well below the all-time high reached during the winter.

WSU researchers find way to reuse disposable masks to improve concrete

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a way to reuse single-use disposable masks – by making concrete more durable. 

Some held at Tacoma ICE detention center fear COVID spread

Nine people held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma have joined in a hunger strike to protest what they say are unclean conditions amid worries about a COVID spread.

A third of US should be considering masks amid rise in COVID-19 cases, officials say

Increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are putting more of the U.S. under guidelines issued by the CDC that call for masking and other infection precautions.

COVID-19 infections surging in some Washington counties

Clallam and San Juan counties have been rated 'high risk' for contracting COVID-19 by the CDC. King, Snohomish and Jefferson counties have moved into the 'medium risk' category.

Issaquah elementary school closes Monday, too many staff have COVID

Sunset Elementary School in the Issaquah School District is closed for classes, as too many teachers are out sick from COVID.

West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day kicks off for the first time in 2 years

For the first time in two years, a massive West Seattle Community Garage Sale is reconnecting neighbors, supporting good causes and showcasing some great local talent, too.

Washington doctors concerned over rise in COVID hospitalizations

On the path forward and out of the pandemic, the line looks a little blurry as COVID cases continue to rise in Western Washington, and local doctors are sounding the alarm as hospitalizations are on the rise.

Childhood immunizations fell 13% during pandemic, DOH says

Now is the time to get your kids up to date on vaccinations, health officials say, as routine childhood immunizations fell 13% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Massive backlog of appeals from Employment Security Department affecting about 22,000 Washingtonians

After historic jobless claims in Washington State during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is now working on a massive backlog of appeals from the Employment Security Department (ESD).

Omicron subvariant a factor in Skagit County’s 111% jump in COVID case rate

According to CDC guidelines, Skagit County is now in a "substantial" transmission level, up from a moderate level last week. Health officials say omicron subvariants are driving this sharp rises in cases.