As confirmed COVID-19 cases rise, Spokane County residents need to be prepared “for the long haul,” Bob Lutz, Spokane County health officer, warned Friday morning.

While some Spokane residents seem to be taking social distancing measures seriously, as evidenced by a significant decrease in people using Spokane Transit Authority services, the number of COVID-19 cases is expected to continue to grow in the coming days. There are 83 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Spokane County now, Lutz said Friday morning, up from 67 cases confirmed yesterday.

“Obviously many people are concerned about the uptick in numbers, and I would suggest to you that this is a function of more testing being available at not only the screening site at the fairgrounds but throughout our entire community,” Lutz said Friday. “I think this gives everyone real evidence that COVID-19 is spreading throughout our community, and I want people to realize that these numbers will continue to rise.”

Lutz said that local hospital capacity has not been taxed at this point. As of yesterday, seven Spokane County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19.

Brandon Rapez-Betty, STA director of communications, said that regular bus routes are caring about a third of their normal passenger load each day, and para-transit rides are down 80%.

“These numbers indicate that people are adhering to Gov. Inslee’s ‘stay home, stay healthy,’ order,” Rapez-Betty said.

STA is launching a new service, due to its new additional capacity, called Rides for Seniors, which will serve community members older than 60 years old who need a ride for an essential trip to the grocery store, pharmacy, work or the doctor’s office.

People can call with two hours notice or schedule a ride a day in advance with the service, and seniors who need assistance can bring one companion. STA plans to limit the number of passengers in vans, in order to social distance. STA has suspended all fares for riders, and residents interested in scheduling a ride for an essential trip through Rides for Seniors can call: (509) 328-1552.

Spokane C.O.P.S, a local crime prevention nonprofit, is also offering services for the elderly, including check-ins, deliveries of groceries and other supplies and medication pick-ups. People can call the nonprofit’s main office at (509) 625-3300 to request help for themselves or someone else. Uniformed staff and volunteers will arrive in marked vehicles and provide identification.

This story is developing and will be updated.