The coronavirus curve appears to be declining across Washington

COVID-19 cases in most counties across the state appear to be declining slightly as of late August.

According to a recent report from the Washington State Department of Health, coronavirus case counts are declining in both eastern and western Washington.

The reproductive number, or estimated number of new people that each coronavirus patient will infect, is hovering around one. If the reproductive number declines well below one, it would indicate that the infection rate is also dropping.

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Although cases are declining in several counties, coronavirus remains active in others. Whitman County is currently a “notable exception,” showing a spike in cases since August 19.

“While we see some encouraging trends in case counts, the risk remains extremely high throughout the state,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman in a press release. “The situation in Whitman County illustrates just how quickly an outbreak can wipe out our progress toward keeping case counts low. It is still critical that we limit the size and frequency of our in-person gatherings, wear face coverings and stay home when we are sick.”