COVID-19 Hospitalizations Down in Washington State

COVID-19 hospitalizations are on a downward trend in Washington.

Washington State Hospital Association CEO Cassie Sauer called the numbers are "good news" in a weekly news briefing Monday, while noting they were still in the highest curve since the pandemic began.

Sauer also made reference to a chart showing deaths continue to rise, which she said is an expected trend which typically happens two to four weeks after a surge of hospitalizations. She said 30 people in the state are dying of the coronavirus each day.

Numbers presented by the Hospital Association Monday show COVID-19 cases are down, but showing a recent small spike.

In addition, Sauer noted some hospitals in the state have already started to give booster shots after federal recommendations were released last Friday.  She also said the Hospital Association is waiting for hear about vaccine eligibility for kids 5-11 years old.

The hospital association remains concerned about the state’s low supply of monoclonal antibodies, which have shown to be successful in keeping people who get the treatment quickly after developing COVID-19 from being hospitalized.

Staffing shortages, particularly among nurses, is also a concern for hospitals.