Four new patients have died from COVID-19, in the Seattle area of Washington State in the United States, bringing the total deaths to six.
Public health officials near Seattle reported the nation’s first two deaths in a nearby suburb and several new cases over the weekend.
Local officials also said that about 50 residents and employees of a nursing care facility were being tested for the new coronavirus after several people there tested positive.
“Unfortunately, we are starting to find more COVID-19 cases here in Washington that appear to be acquired locally here in Washington,” Washington state health officer Dr. Kathy Lofy told reporters at a press conference.
“We now know that the virus is actively spreading in some communities.”
Washington state currently has 18 cases, 14 of which are in King County where the nursing facility is located and four in Snohomish County, she said.
