May 5, 2022
COVID-19 Updates from Skagit County
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccine Data
Skagit County has moved to a “Substantial” disease transmission level, up from “Moderate” last week. Skagit County’s 7-day case rate has increased by 111 percent since last week, and our 7-day hospitalization rate has increased by 50 percent. No new COVID-19 related deaths were reported again this week.
A significant increase in COVID-19 cases has been reported in Skagit County. The state has indicated that BA.2 is now the dominant strain in Washington State, a highly contagious subvariant of the Omicron variant.
Preliminary data suggest that BA.2 may cause more mild disease, although some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this subvariant. Those most susceptible to becoming critically ill with COVID-19 continue to be individuals 60 years of age and older, certain immunocompromised individuals, and individuals who are unvaccinated.
Public Health is urging these folks specifically to take extra precaution during this time. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 infection continues to be the following preventative measures:
- Getting vaccinated and boosted. Those who are 50 years and older and certain immunocompromised individuals can now get a second booster dose of an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after receiving their initial booster dose. Please consult your doctor if you have questions. To find a vaccine appointment, use the Vaccine Locator or call 1-800-525-0127.
- Testing before gathering. Getting tested is easier now than ever before. Before you gather with people outside of your household, test for the presence of infection and encourage others to do the same. Free at-home test kits are now available at Public Health’s Testing Site at Cascade Mall, as well as online at www.sayyescovidhometest.org and www.covidtests.gov.
- Wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask. Masks remain an important tool in helping to limit the spread of COVID-19. People who are immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or feel sick should wear masks to protect themselves and others when in indoor public spaces.
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:
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.
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
At-home COVID-19 Testing
Free at-home test kits are now available at Public Health’s Testing Site at Cascade Mall, as well as online through the following sites:
• www.SayYesCovidHomeTest.org
• www.CovidTests.gov
If testing at home and you receive a positive test result, please call the state’s COVID-19 Hotline at 1–800–525–0127 or the Skagit County Public Health office at (360) 416-1500.
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