health district

Now here's a chance for you to be part of the board to make future healthcare decisions in Yakima County.

A news release from the district says the case rate, in just two weeks, has more than quadrupled to a level that hasn't seen before during the entire pandemic.

In fact so many that the kits are no longer available online.

They say as of November 23 there have been four confirmed COVID-19 cases from staff and 47 inmate cases in the outbreak.

The officials say as of November 17 Yakima County reported a case rate of 326 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000

The two highly contagious respiratory illnesses are spread in similar ways, mainly through respiratory droplets.

They say people need to evaluate risk tolerance given the current community numbers as of October 21.

24 people are now in the hospital in Yakima because of COVID-19, however none are on ventilators.

Amanda McKinney is expected to talk to The Morning News on KIT on Thursday at 7:15 a.m. Don't miss our conversation.

Bravo the new case rates are also leading to allowing schools to space students 3-feet apart rather than the 6-feet recommended earlier this year.

If you are not feeling well you can get a test also at Yakima's State Fair Park site.

Students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to visit school district websites and social media for more information.