The death toll from the new coronavirus in Washington state reached 50 on Tuesday morning when Clark County health officials announced their first fatal cases.
Washington has the highest number of deaths in the U.S., with most being associated with a nursing home in Kirkland. By Monday, the number of positive cases topped 900.
Governor Jay Inslee imposed strict new rules this week to help slow the spread of COVID-19. He mandated an immediate two-week closure of all restaurants, bars recreational facilities, while also increasing the limits to 50 people for large gatherings. The new orders went into effect Monday night and will be in place through at least March 31st.
King County continues to report the highest number of cases and deaths, with 488 cases as of Monday and 48 fatalities. Twenty-nine of those deaths were associated with the Life Care Center in Kirkland. Snohomish County reported four deaths and had 200 positive cases, while Grant County has lost one resident to the disease.
Eighteen counties have reported cases. (AP)
