Spokane County in danger, in phase 2 | news to be pushed back

Spokane County is at risk of being pushed back in Phase 2, data shows.

As of Wednesday, the county sat at 273 cases per 100,000, to stay in phase 3, it has to be below 200.

The county’s hospital admissions are also currently above the Phase 3 metric with 5.2 hospital admissions per 100,000 that must be less than 5.

“Our fall rate is very high, it will be difficult to bring them back,” said Dr. Frank Velazquez, Spokane Health Officer.

He said the cases are trending after Easter, spring break, and the NCAA tournament.

And data shows that the majority of cases come from one group, the 20-29 year old age group.

Dr. Velazquez said it is important now that young people can get vaccinated that they get it.

He said this is the only way to stop the spread and keep things like promotions, shops and restaurants open.

“That message re-ignites with them, the young people are all very community-minded,” he said.

The governor will reevaluate the counties on May 3rd, and Dr. Velazquez says vaccinations taking place now won’t affect that deadline, but will help in the long run.

To help now, Velazquez says we must continue to follow the covid instructions.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that we as a community can withdraw and bring our cases to a standstill,” Velazquez said.