Pandemic pause requested by secretary of health
Moment of silence for 5,000 COVID deaths in the state; 500,000 nationwide
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Last updated 3/9/2021 at 5:43pm
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The secretary of health asks people reflect March 4, in honor of pandemic losses.
Editor's Note: Share your experience with a COVID-19 related loss or send a photo of someone in their moment of silence here: [email protected].
A grim milestone has led to a request for people to take a moment.
Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health, asks Washington residents to honor those lost and the ones they left behind by observing a moment of silence on March 4 at noon, or at a time of their choosing.
A devastating milestone was passed March 3 with 500,000 people dead in the nation from COVID-19; 5,000 in Washington State, according to a news release from the Department of Health. The first COVID-related death in the state was Feb. 29, 2020, the DOH said. Of the 530 people infected with COVID-19 in Mill Creek since Jan. 2020, 483 survived. In Bothell, of the 2,057 infected, 1,857 survived. Data on COVID-19's impact is recorded on the Snohomish County Health District website.
"I stand with all Washingtonians who are profoundly impacted by this heartbreaking milestone," Shah said. "We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost a loved one. We honor their lives and are united in grief and sorrow."
New data from the Washington State Department of Health appear to show that COVID-19 deaths, infections, and hospitalizations are decreasing. An increasing number of vaccines is also cause for optimism. However, now is not the time to let down our guard.
"The sad truth is that this pandemic is not over," Shah said. "But there is also hope. We have the power to stop the spread of this virus. Please wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. It's up to all of us to protect our families and communities. We will heal. We will recover. And we will never forget those we have lost."
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