Surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, coupled with staffing shortages and patient bottlenecks, are stretching Washington hospitals more than ever before, officials said Thursday.
Cowlitz County COVID-19 cases are rising higher than the previous record spike recorded in the fall, and rates are likely higher than reported, according to the county health department.
Cowlitz County COVID-19 cases appear to be following the statewide trend of rapidly increasing, after rising more slowly late last month.
State and local health officials are encouraging vaccines, boosters and testing as the omicron variant drives up COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increase statewide, hospital leaders Thursday said they are closer than ever to a crisis situation.
Cowlitz County’s COVID-19 cases are continuing to increase, though at a slower rate than the state.
The omicron COVID-19 variant is limiting treatment options for those infected but not hospitalized, according to health officials.
Washington’s COVID-19 cases skyrocketed over the holiday weekend, while Cowlitz County saw a smaller increase, according to the Department of Health.
The highly transmissible omicron variant was detected in one Cowlitz County COVID-19 case as of Thursday morning, according to the health department.
Cowlitz County residents should take the rapidly spreading COVID-19 omicron variant into the equation while planning for the holiday weekend, according to health officials.
Cowlitz County and state health officials voiced concern about the strain a potential COVID-19 surge could have on already full hospitals, as Washington’s cases of the the likely more infectious omicron variant increase.
PeaceHealth lauded for workplace
Cowlitz County’s COVID-19 cases appear to be leveling off and hospitalizations are increasing, according to the Department of Health data.
Demand for COVID-19 boosters has gone up in Washington and Cowlitz County, and residents interested in receiving them may have to wait a few days to get an appointment.
Washington state health officials were not surprised when the first case of the omicron variant in the United States was announced Wednesday and emphasized precautions over panic.
State hospital officials Monday expressed concern about omicron, the new COVID-19 variant, as labs are testing for the strain.
The decline of Cowlitz County’s COVID-19 rates appears to be slowing, and the hospitalization rate increased in mid-November.
Wahkiakum County residents can order free rapid COVID-19 tests online as part of the Say Yes! COVID Test program.
With the first major holiday of the season next week, health officials are offering tips for staying safe from COVID-19 while gathering with loved ones or traveling.
Youth and Family Link is holding a COVID-19 vaccine clinic Saturday in Kelso, with Pfizer doses available for anyone 5 years old and older.
State health officials said Wednesday while optimistic about declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, continuing protective measures during the holidays and winter season is critical to prevent another surge.
State COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations down; hospital officials encourage vaccines ahead of holidays
Washington’s COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to trend downward, but hospital officials Monday encouraged vaccinations as cases increase elsewhere in the country and cold weather brings more people indoors.
Doctors, school counselors and community agencies are raising the alarm about an increase in eating disorders among youth during the pandemic, including in Cowlitz County.
When Jamie Hoskins heard pediatric COVID-19 vaccines were available at the Child and Adolescent Clinic, she called right away to schedule appointments for her 10-year-old and her 7-year-old.
Columbia Wellness will begin providing crisis services in Wahkiakum County on Sunday, taking over from the health department.