Thousands Vaccinated in Yakima as Concern Continues

More doses of COVID-19 vaccine are being shipped to the Yakima area every week to get more people vaccinated. Yakima Health District officials say to date, 58,616 people have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 34,356 people have received their second dose. Health officials say in Yakima County there have been concerning trends of COVID-19 cases. A press release says overall, Washington State has seen an increase in COVID-19 variants. This is significant because these variants are more infectious and can spread more easily. This week, 20 out of 39 counties in Washington State, including Yakima County, had people test positive with the variants. Larry Jecha, Interim Health Officer, Yakima Health District says “to remain safe and open, it is crucial to follow public health recommendations. We want COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations to decrease in Yakima County.We encourage individuals who are eligible now, to get vaccinated. On April 15th, anyone 16 and older will become eligible to receive the vaccine.” Larry Jecha, Interim Health Officer, Yakima Health District“
He says the detection of the variants in the community means that the pandemic is not over. Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control, Yakima Health District says “Through our local case investigation team, we are seeing that many of our local COVID-19 cases are coming from social gatherings. As we gather with individuals outside our households, we must continue to practice public health recommendations. We encourage individuals to reduce your risk of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, have small gatherings, and gather outdoors as much as possible.Please stay home if you are sick.”