DOH: COVID-19 cases on the rise across Washington

New data from the state Department of Health shows that COVID-19 cases are once again surging across Washington.

The DOH says cases are increasing as the Delta variant becomes more widespread and a lack of vaccination.

“Vaccination rates are not increasing fast enough to control the virus,” a release from the department said.

The data shows that around the end of June, estimates of statewide transmission increased sharply.

It also shows that the delta variant, a more transmissible strain of COVID-19, is the dominant strain in circulation in the state.

Despite cases increasing across the state, the DOH said that vaccination is still working to protect people from severe COVID-19 illness.

“If you’ve been waiting to get vaccinated for any reason, now is the time to protect yourself, your family and everyone around you. With transmission increasing and immunity levels dangerously low in many communities, every vaccine matters,” said Acting Chief Science Officer Scott Lindquist, MD, MPH.

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