Winter Surge Of Sickness Continues To Hit Washington State

OLMPIA, Wash. – A winter surge of sickness continues to batter Washington State, “This is the winter surge of influenza and respiratory season that we are seeing right now in our state.”

Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah says 26 Washingtonians have now died from the flu, including 3 children.

And COVID-19 hospitalizations are trending back up.

“We have to take the appropriate steps to continue to combat it.”

However, Dr. Shah says those steps do not include reinstating pandemic rules, “We have no plans in place for additional statewide mask requirements…existing requirements for masking are in correctional and health care settings.”

And he says enjoy the holiday season with family and friends, just be smart, “Lets be clear…we are not saying do not gather. What we are saying is take steps to be smart and to prevent being sick and getting others sick.”

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