COVID-19

Thirteen percent of eligible Washingtonians have gotten a bivalent booster shot, far fewer than state health officials had hoped would roll up their sleeves.

The first order of vaccines will be available to those most at risk of COVID-19. The state has requested 192,000 doses.

Board members said they were concerned about schools’ ability to implement such a requirement, the changing nature of the virus, and pushback from parents.

Healthcare providers in Washington State are participating in a nationwide study to research the long-term effects of COVID-19. Providence in Spokane is one provider involved in the study and is seeking participants from Eastern Washington.

The Washington State Board of Health has rejected several petitions that sought to strip power from local health officers and restrict vaccination requirements in schools.

Non-emergency surgeries are resuming in Providence Hospitals as the omicron wave fueled surge in hospitalizations dissipates.

During the pandemic inmates and their families say its been difficult to see a doctor, mental health provider, or their loved ones. They fear those delays will permanently impact their well-being.

Following in the path of multiple other states, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday that he will largely lift the state’s indoor mask mandate, in place since last August, on Monday, March 21.

There are still delays for Covid testing through medical facilities, and the results of popular at-home tests often aren’t reported to health officials.…

Medical providers in Washington are sounding the alarm about the rapid rise in Covid hospitalization rates.The state Medical Association on Thursday…