A look at virus-related developments in Washington:
CASES
In Washington state, 132 people have died from COVID-19. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL
Two more workers at Washington state’s largest psychiatric hospital have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing to five the number of people in the 850-bed facility who have acquired the disease. In the last week, another Western State Hospital employee and two patients were positive for COVID-19. Workers fear it will get worse due to conditions and the administration’s policies. A union representative for the staff says they continue to report to work because they care deeply about the patients, but they’re concerned about management’s failure to be proactive with public health guidance.
ONLINE GRADUATION
Washington State University President Kirk Schulz announced that the traditional May commencement ceremonies for students would be delayed until at least August on all of the school’s campuses. Schulz did say that on May 9 there would be an online commencement for all campuses. Washington State’s main campus is in Pullman, and it also has campuses in Vancouver and the Tri-Cities.
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