COVID-19 cases continue a slow growth in Yakima but the area isn't seeing big spikes in hospitalizations and deaths. The numbers are updated every Friday. Yakima County Health District officials say as of July 22, the county reported a case rate of 572 per 100,000 and a hospitalization rate of 5.8 per 100,000. One month ago Yakima County reported a case rate of 230 per 100,000 and a hospitalization rate of 0.4 per 100,000. Obviously the numbers are on the rise and that's why health officials are urging those in high risk categories to protect themselves.

15 people are currently hospitalized and 2 have died of COVID-19 but those numbers haven't changed since July 15.  Health officials say as of July 11, of individuals 6 months and older in Yakima County, 59.5% have completed their primary series of COVID-19 immunizations and 44.6% of those 5 years and older have received a booster dose.

A press release from the Yakima County Heath District says "it is important to note that individuals may choose to wear a mask at any time. If individuals are visiting a household with someone who is considered high risk for severe disease, consider self-testing before any contact and wearing a mask when indoors with them." President Joe Biden, now recovered from his latest bout of COVID-19 reminded people Wednesday of free test kits available from the government. You'll find the tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests

COVID-19 Community Level Yakima County continues to be at a medium COVID-19 community level according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials say the last time Yakima County was classified at this level was in February of this year and previously, Yakima County was considered to have a low COVID-19 community level.