State healthcare mask mandate to end April 3
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 8 months AGO
OLYMPIA — The mandate requiring masks in health care facilities, extended-care facilities and adult correctional institutions will end April 3. The end of universal masking in those facilities was announced in a Friday press release from the Washington Department of Health.
“In Washington, COVID-19, RSV and influenza disease rates have continued to decline since the end of last year,” the press release said. “Department of Health infection prevention and control guidance continues to recommend masks for patients, healthcare providers and visitors in health care settings.”
The DOH rule will end April 3, but other jurisdictions may decide to keep other rules in place, the release said.
“Local or tribal governments, facilities and providers may choose to continue to require masks in other settings,” it said.
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Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.