Pierce County Reports 19 Percent Surge In COVID-19 Case Rate

TACOMA, WA — The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is sounding the alarm after a significant spike in local COVID-19 cases.

The health department this week logged a 14-day case rate of 381.4 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents— a 19 percent increase over last week's case rate, and 44 percent higher than just three weeks ago.

A recent surge in COVID-19 testing has left many results unprocessed, the health department warns, meaning there are likely even more cases that are still unreported. Wednesday, backups at the Lakewood COVID-19 testing site were so long that it had to be temporarily closed to visitors.

The health department says, it's a sign that COVID-19 is spreading this holiday season, and its experts are warning residents to prepare for even more trouble.

"We know people are tired of COVID-19," the health department said in a news release. "But the growing numbers are a stark reminder the pandemic hasn’t gone away."

The health department blames the rise on the recent arrival of the more-transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus, which the CDC believes is now the dominant COVID-19 variant in Washington. Though early studies indicate that omicron may cause less severe symptoms than previous variants, the surge in cases is still driving an increase in hospitalizations: The county's current hospitalization rate is 7.4 hospitalized patients per 100,000 residents, up about 10 percent from last week.

"Omicron is spreading quickly and we expect these numbers to grow," the health department said.

Pierce County's spike mirrors a larger surge in new cases happening across Washington. Last Thursday, King County reported a daily record of 2,249 new cases. That county is currently averaging about 1,600 new cases each day. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department says, that's a worrying trend, and it's likely to continue.

"On their dashboard, the state projects the 14-day case rate will soon rise above 700," the agency said. "Although the data is incomplete, that's 2x higher compared to our current rate of 381.4."

To cut off the surge before it grows even more out of control, TPCHD is reminding everyone to stick to pandemic safety protocols by vaccinating or getting your booster shots if you are eligible for either, wearing a mask in social settings, practicing safe social distancing, and staying home if you are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms.

Vaccination may prove especially important in Pierce County, which has a lower vaccination rate than many of its neighbors. Statewide, at least 75.6 percent of all Washingtonians 12 and older are fully vaccinated. Only 61 percent of Pierce County residents are fully vaccinated, according to the health department.

Related stories:

Washington Hospitals 'More Than Maxed Out' As Holidays Approach

Omicron Propels Record Surge In King County COVID Cases