Washington state reports over 65,000 total COVID-19 cases
Four Big Horn County employees have tested positive for COVID-19. All four employees showed symptoms and were in contact with previously-confirmed coronavirus patients. (Gallup/Getty Images)
The state of Washington has esclipsed the 65,000 mark in total COVID-19 cases Thursday, according to new numbers released by state health officials.
The Washington Department of Health reported 638 new COVID-19 cases, 45 more hospitalizations and 12 new deaths Thursday.
Health officials said there have been 65,339 total COVID-19 cases, 6,182 hospitalizations and 1,736 deaths in Washington since the pandemic began.
Washington health officials released new data Wednesday that showed the state is moving in the right direction with two key COVID-19 indicators: the number of confirmed cases and the rate of hospitalizations from the virus.
But authorities warned the trends could suddenly reverse if people discontinue using face coverings or practicing social distancing, two things officials say have led to the promising developments.
State health leaders said they are optimistic that there could be a return to some in-school learning sometime this fall if the trends hold.