Whitman County in Phase 1 of ‘Safe Start Washington’

Most recent case was April 22; 14 patients fully recovered, two patients self-isolating at home

EMMA LEDBETTER, Evergreen news editor

Fourteen out of 16 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 in Whitman County have recovered from the virus, according to a press release from the Whitman County Emergency Operations Center. 

The two most recent patients are self-isolating at home, according to the press release. 

At least 728 individuals have tested negative for COVID-19 as of May 8, according to the Whitman County Health Department website

Gov. Jay Inslee signed the “Safe Start Washington” plan on May 4, which will allow counties that meet certain health criteria to begin reopening. 

As of May 5, Whitman County is in Phase 1. This means certain outdoor recreation activities like golfing, hunting, fishing, boating and hiking will be open. Travel is limited to essential business only and gatherings are not permitted. Some businesses are open, including landscaping, car washes and pet walking.  

Whitman County was unable to apply for a Phase 2 waiver, according to the press release. In order to apply for a waiver, a county must have no new positive COVID-19 tests in the last three weeks. 

The most recent positive test in Whitman County was on April 22.