Section: Local

Officials say 300 soldiers from the 627th Army Hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado, have deployed to Seattle to staff the hospital, which is expected to create at least 150 hospital beds for non-COVID-19 cases

Governor Jay Inslee also again suggested the shutdown of most businesses and extreme social distancing would likely have to be extended to fight the disease

Epidemiologists told the Sedro-Woolley facility that a spike in COVID-19 cases is coming, and operations there are adjusting accordingly

While there are a few exceptions under the “stay home stay healthy” proclamation, Interim Public Works Directory Eric Johnston says job sites are being secured for safety and security and they’re planning to be back up and running as soon as the governor’s order is lifted

Company president Richard Johnson says the decision comes in response to the governor’s stay at home mandate as well as their commitment to the health of riders and staff members

The District temporarily closed all school playgrounds and outdoor tennis and basketball courts until further notice, saying they are following the lead of the City of Bellingham and guidance from the state

WCC says the employee, who works in the Health Professions Education Center, is the first known case related to the college community; the employee is recovering at home in isolation

The Washington State Nurses Association, American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine are among the organizations that have released statements supporting Dr. Ming Lin and calling for his re-instatement

The doctor had publicly criticized the coronavirus preparations at at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.

The State Patrol says they can’t accept direct monetary donations for the family of Trooper Justin Shaffer offers information on how people can help