SAN FRANCISO, July 15 (Xinhua) -- The governor of the U.S. state of Washington, Jay Inslee, announced on Tuesday that counties would pause advancing to any new phases of reopening through at least July 28, as COVID-19 cases continue surging across the state.
"Counties will pause in their current phases until it's responsible to resume reopening," Inslee said, warning that he might have to roll back parts of the gradual reopening efforts made in recent months if new confirmed cases continue to climb.
To prevent further spread of the virus, Inslee urged people to wear masks and maintain social distancing measures.
According to Inslee, in Yakima County, one of the hardest-hit regions, only 35 percent of people were wearing face coverings by the end of May, though the figure has now risen to 95 percent.
"Cases, infection rates and hospitalizations all seem to be declining in that county. It's early, but it's a good sign masks are helping beat this virus," he said.
Health officials confirmed 547 new COVID-19 cases and five new deaths in Washington state on Tuesday.
The update brought total infections in the state to 42,304 with 1,404 deaths as of 11:59 p.m. Monday, indicating a 3.3-percent death rate, according to the state's health department.
