In the fifth wave, we've heard several health leaders continuously say a majority of hospital patients are unvaccinated. Joanne Blacketer was one, and after nearly a week in the hospital, she said it was a "humbling" experience and plans to get vaccinated.
Despite the surge in hospitalizations, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) said partners are using strategies to stretch resources and mitigate challenges.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dr. Dave Jeppesen said patients may experience higher wait times at the hospital.
Spokane Regional Health District said in a situation report that COVID-19 cases continue to rise quickly across the community as hospitals deal with occupancy rising and staffing issues.
Pat was supposed to spend his 43rd anniversary recovering from cancer surgery. Instead, he got a call saying it was put on hold.
Spokane County has seen the most people hospitalized from COVID since the start of the pandemic.
Kootenai Health will restrict visitors to prevent the spread of COVID-19 starting this Thursday.
Three months ago, about five people in Washington were dying each day from COVID-19, but now the virus is killing 12 Washingtonians per day.
