April 27, 2022
COVID-19 Updates from Skagit County
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccine Data
Skagit County remains at a “Moderate” disease transmission level. Skagit County’s 7-day case rate has increased by 50 percent since last week, and our 7-day hospitalization rate has increased by 100 percent. This week, no new COVID-19 related deaths were reported.
As expected, following the holiday weekend, Skagit County is seeing a slight uptick in cases this week. While our case and hospitalization numbers are still quite small compared to what they were during the Omicron surge this winter, it is still important to revisit our prevention toolkit: vaccination, testing, and masking when needed and/or desired.
Perhaps most notable this week, we are seeing an increase in cases being reported amongst Skagitonians 60 years and older. If you fall within this age bracket and have not yet received your first and/or second booster, please consider doing so. Getting boosted is the best way to ensure that COVID-19 infection does not result in severe illness, hospitalization, or death.
New Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
CDC’s new COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) Calculator takes the stress out of figuring when, and for how long, people with COVID-19 and close contacts need to stay home, get tested, and wear a well-fitting mask. Find the calculator here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html.
Vaccine at the Public Health Office
COVID-19 prime, pediatric, and booster vaccinations are available at the Public Health office in downtown Mount Vernon at 700 S 2nd Street. The clinic is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To make an appointment, go to www.skagitcounty.net/COVIDvaccine or call (360) 416-1500. Walk-ins are also available.
Available appointments include:
For a full list of vaccination providers available in Skagit County, go to Vaccine Locator or call the Hotline at 1-800-525-0127.
For those who are homebound, please contact Public Health to schedule a home visit. Call (360) 416-1500 during regular business hours.
Treatment Options
COVID-19 medications are now available through your doctor, local pharmacies, and health clinics. If you have COVID-19 symptoms and test positive, do not wait to get treated. Early intervention with COVID-19 therapeutics can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization for people with COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing more serious illness.
If you think you might qualify, please speak to your healthcare provider first and get a referral and/or prescription for treatment.
For assistance:
COVID-19 Testing Site at Cascade Mall
Free antigen COVID-19 testing is available at our Cascade Mall location at 150 Cascade Mall Drive in Burlington. Please come to the east side of the mall parking lot near the old Johnny Carino’s restaurant. Services are available on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For information about our site or for a full list of testing providers in Skagit County: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirusTESTsites.htm
COVID-19 versus allergies
Unlike COVID-19, seasonal allergies aren't caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens. COVID-19 and seasonal allergies cause many of the same signs and symptoms. However, there are some differences.
Also, while COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seasonal allergies don't usually cause these symptoms unless you have a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by pollen exposure.
Treatment of seasonal allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants, and avoidance of exposure to allergens where possible. Seasonal allergies may last several weeks.
Feeling sick and not sure if it is COVID-19? Use the Coronavirus Self-Checker—a tool to help you make decisions on when to seek testing and medical care: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
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