July 28, 2021
COVID-19 Updates from Skagit County
Case Counts Rising in Skagit County
Skagit reported 32 new cases since our update last Thursday. This brings us to a total of 5,472 cases, 366 hospitalizations and 79 deaths. Skagit currently has a case rate of 69.8 per 100k over the last 14 days and a hospitalization rate of 3.8 COVID patients per 100k over the last seven days.
These rising case counts are of great concern to us here at Public Health. The delta variant is largely responsible for this new wave of cases, as it is now the predominant strain here in Washington and is far more transmissible than other variants that we've seen. While this is obviously not good news, we are reassured by the fact that the COVID-19 vaccines are proving to be effective against delta. If you are concerned, our recommendation remains: GET VACCINATED as soon as possible.
Updated Guidance on Masking
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control issued a new recommendation that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks in public indoor spaces in parts of the U.S. where disease transmission that is ‘substantial,’ defined by the CDC as at least 50 new cases per 100,000 residents over the last week. Per CDC data, this includes Skagit County. You can view that data here.
Similarly, our Public Health Officer released a statement on Monday agreeing with these recommendations. Masking can get the transmission of the delta variant under control and can protect those who are not yet vaccinated. That said, vaccination is—and will continue to be—the absolute best tool we have to stop the spread of COVID-19. Local data shows that from March 1, 2021 to July 13, 2021 96% of all COVID cases were in unvaccinated individuals. This perfectly highlights the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. For the full statement: https://bit.ly/3i5DZ23
Vaccines in Skagit County
To date, 153,777 vaccine doses have been administered in Skagit County. 64.8% of all Skagitonians 12 years and older are at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you’re looking for a vaccine provider near you, the best place to start is your local pharmacy! Nearly all chain and neighborhood pharmacies carry the COVID-19 vaccine at this point, and many accept walk-ups! For a full list, go to: https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/.
Our pop-up vaccine clinics are available to anyone 12+ (when Pfizer available) or 18+ (when J&J available); no appointment needed! Visit our website for a full list: www.skagitcounty.net/COVIDvaccine.
Upcoming pop-up dates this week include:
- Wed, July 28: Skagit Transit Station, Downtown Mount Vernon from 5-9pm
- Wed, July 28: Skagit Valley Softball Fields from 5:30-7:30pm
- Thur, July 29: Boys & Girls Club, Cascade Middle School from 3-6pm
- **Get vaccinated at this location & get entered to win a free xBox!**
- Thur, July 29: West Winds Motel, Mount Vernon from 4-7pm
- Fri, July 30: Skagit Valley Softball Fields from 5:30-7:30pm
Thanks to a partnership with the North Sound ACH, Public Health is now offering $25 gift cards to all people accessing their first dose at Public Health pop-up clinics (while supplies last)!
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