Nursing home cases of coronavirus on the rise

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- The Benton-Franklin Health District reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 in the Tri-Cities Wednesday, including several cases connected to local nursing homes.

There are currently 240 confirmed and probable cases in Benton County, 103 in Franklin County, for a combined 343 cases throughout the greater Tri-Cities.

Meanwhile, the Life Care Center in Richland has added 16 cases of confirmed and suspected cases of coronvirus since Tuesday, while Regency Canyon Lakes in Kennewick has added 4 new cases. The Health District reports 129 cases at six nursing homes in Benton and Franklin Counties.

Those cases can include both residents and staff members.

"Compared to the state as a whole, we have a significant higher percentage of cases in persons age 80 or older in Benton and Franklin Counties," said Dr. Amy Person with the Benton-Franklin Health District during a press conference Tuesday.  Dr. Person said that about two-thirds of the deaths locally have been associated with senior living facilities. 

One additional death was reported Wednesday. A Benton County woman in her 70s passed away due to complications from the illness.

Walla Walla County has reported 16 cases of coronavirus, with no fatalities.