'Dramatic spread' of COVID-19 in Yakima Valley prompts pleas for vaccinations, masks

Hospital and public health officials issued urgent pleas for the public’s help Wednesday as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in Yakima County.

The Yakima Health District reported 214 new COVID cases and 63 hospitalizations Wednesday, totals that echoed January’s surge. Hospital officials said there are long wait times in emergency departments, and capacity is limited with staff out for COVID-19 protocols.

“The vast majority of these patients being treated are unvaccinated and we are seeing younger and younger patients suffering complications and needing acute medical care,” Rhonda Wellner, system director of quality for Astria Health, said in a statement. “With the increase of COVID patients in our systems, we are also seeing an increase of wait times in our emergency departments, an increased need for inpatient beds, and challenges with transferring patients who are needing higher level of care or specialized care.”