SEATTLE (AP) – Record levels of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization in Washington state that began in early mid-July appear to be flattening, but at a dangerous level.
The state continues to see its highest rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, again increasing vaccination and masking requests, The Seattle Times reported. Officials said Wednesday that the leveling of epidemiological curves, however, is well seen.
The state epidemiologist, Dr. Scott Lindquist said that since last week the state has been observing an average of seven days of about 180 daily admissions, compared to an average of about 195 daily hospital admissions in late August.
“We’re not sure this is (continuing) going in a downward direction now … but it’s the first good information we have that we’re starting to see some downward trend,” Lindquist said.
While the new numbers are encouraging, he said he would be “very cautious” when it comes to raising hopes. “We haven’t overcome this pandemic,” Lindquist added.
Although infections and hospitalizations are beginning to be high, they are at high levels. In early July, before the most recent increase, the state was averaging about 30 new hospitalizations and 350 new cases a day. Since last week, epidemiologists and health officials have counted an average of about 3,000 new cases a day.
Meanwhile, state hospitals are canceling the necessary surgeries and taking longer to treat heart attacks and strokes because COVID patients are taking so many beds.