As more people are tested when they're not feeling well Yakima is seeing more positive cases. Today the number is 571 cases per 100,000 with 297 new cases as of Wednesday.

THE LEVEL OF TRANSMISSION IS STILL HIGH IN YAKIMA

Health officials still term the level of community transmission as high. On Tuesday 43 people were hospitalized. Today the number is 48. 448 people have died over the last year and a half with 424 people who had underlying health conditions.

THE GOVERNOR SAYS SCHOOL EMPLOYEES NEED THE SHOT

On Wednesday Governor Jay Inslee held a press conference in which he says all public, private and charter school teachers and staff must now be fully vaccinated or risk losing a job. That includes those who are employed by state colleges and universities. The Associated Press says "Inslee on Wednesday also expanded the statewide indoor mask mandate that is currently in place for non-vaccinated individuals to include those who are vaccinated." So it's back to full masking in Yakima businesses including gyms and fitness centers. Last week the governor announced that all school employees and students in the state will be required to wear masks this fall when school gets back into session.

TESTING AND SHOTS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY

If you aren't feeling well and are looking for a COVID-19 test the Community Based Testing Site at State Fair Park offers testing August 16-20 from 8:00AM to 2:00PM.  You can call 2-1-1 for the location of other testing sites in the Yakima Valley. 2-1-1 is also available for other questions and concerns about the community. Many people view it as a great community resource if you are searching for answers to a question about city services or COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available throughout the community including at local pharmacies just like the flu shot.

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