Virus outbreak targeted in agricultural Yakima County

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The state of Washington is implementing safety recommendations to battle a large outbreak of the coronavirus in an agricultural county in the central part of the state.

Yakima County, a major food producer, has recorded nearly 3,000 cases among its 250,000 residents, and infections have moved into its massive farm and food processing sector.

Officials said Tuesday that many cases are showing up on farms, in meat plants and fruit and vegetable processing warehouses.

The big increase in the county came as other parts of Washington are reporting shrinking numbers.