Yakima Health District officials are hoping more people who haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so as soon as possible. They say the county has seen an uptick in hospitalizations in the past week.

15 NEW CASES IN ONE WEEK

During the week of July 8-14 the county saw 15 new cases of COVID-19 that required hospitalization. They say that's the highest increase in a 7 day period compared to weeks in May and June. Health officials say during the last 3 months 96% of those who have been in the hospital because of COVID-19 have been unvaccinated.

24 PEOPLE ARE NOW HOSPITALIZED IN YAKIMA WITH COVID-19

24 people are now in the hospital in Yakima because of COVID-19, however none are on ventilators. COVID-19 cases are increasing but they say not as sharply as hospitalizations. That may be the result, say health officials of less people being tested for COVID-19.
The COVID-19 testing site at Yakima's State Fair Park will close on July 31.
“We encourage everyone who can get vaccinated to do so to protect others who can’t get vaccinated yet, such as children under 12 years of age and people who are immunocompromised. Let us all continue to do our part to protect those around us.We don’t want to overwhelm the hospital or healthcare system in the county again.” -Dr. Larry Jecha, Interim Health Officer, Yakima Health District.

HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY MORE PEOPLE NEED TO GET THE VACCINE

Jecha and others says the recent COVID-19 increase aligns with the June 30 reopening of the state which also loosened mask restrictions
They say the more people who are vaccinated in Yakima County the fewer who will be hospitalized. Vaccines are available in many locations throughout the community. Check YakimaVaccines.org for a location near you.
If you choose to not be vaccinated health officials urge you to continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.