September 8, 2021
SKAGIT COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE: September 8, 2021
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccination Data
Skagit County has a total of 8,135 cases (increased by 391 this week), 478 hospitalizations (increased by 28 this week), and 88 deaths (increased by 2 this week).
Skagit currently has a case rate of 572.6 per 100k over the last 14 days and a hospitalization rate of 15.3 COVID patients per 100k over the last seven days.
The rates we’ve been seeing over the past 2-3 weeks are the highest they’ve been throughout the entire pandemic. Though we may be seeing a slight leveling off in new cases, our rates are still of great concern. For our hospitals to operate at sustainable levels, we’re asking people to please get vaccinated as soon as possible.
A total of 163,093 vaccine doses have been administered in Skagit County so far. We are at 69.5 percent of all Skagitonians 12 years and older partially vaccinated against COVID-19.
We are seeing lots of new people accessing their first dose recently! Between August 29th and September 5th, approximately 688 Skagitonians sought out their first dose. THANK YOU!
Breakthrough Cases Explained
A breakthrough case happens when someone who is fully vaccinated (14 days past their final vaccine dose) tests positive for COVID-19. People who catch COVID-19 within these 14 days are not classified as breakthrough cases since their body has not built full protection yet.
It is important to remember that breakthrough cases are expected, just like with any vaccine. That’s because none of the COVID-19 vaccines are 100% effective at preventing infection.
So why get vaccinated? Fully vaccinated people have much stronger protection against COVID-19 compared to those who aren’t. Vaccinated people who get infected are less likely to experience symptoms (if any), compared to those who are unvaccinated. Vaccinated people are also likely to recover faster, even against delta.
CDC data shows that over 99.99% of people who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 did not die or even require hospitalization. The highest hospitalization rates remain in areas with low vaccination rates.
As of September 2nd, Washington state data showed there were 21,757 vaccine breakthrough cases among more than 4.1 million vaccinated people from January 17 — August 21, 2021. Although that might sound like a high number, this means that only 0.5% of vaccinated Washingtonians had breakthrough infections. Of the breakthrough cases that we have data for, just 9% required hospitalization and less than 1% died of a COVID-related illness.
Testing & Vaccination Options in Skagit County
The Skagit County Fairgrounds Testing & Vaccine Site will be closed on Friday, September 10th for a private event. For a list of other providers, please go to: www.skagitcounty.net/coronavirus.
Skagit County is once again operating a COVID-19 testing and vaccination site at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. Both testing and vaccination is available to the public free of cost.
Monday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
South Gate Entrance of the Fairgrounds: 501 Taylor St, Mt Vernon, WA 98273
No insurance or appointment required!
- Vaccination is available for anyone 12+; we will have first and second doses available, as well as 3rd doses for certain immunocompromised individuals. Please talk with your doctor before seeking a third dose.
- Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines available (based on supply)
- Beginning September 13th, only those 5+ who are symptomatic or have been recently exposed will be able to receive an Antigen testing. This is due to limited supply and capacity at this time.
Health Warning: Ivermectin for prevention or treatment of COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) issued a warning stating that people should not take ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. This comes after a Health Alert Network advisory released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). From the DOH warning:
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug used commonly in humans and animals. Although it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of some parasitic worms, external parasites and skin conditions, evidence shows it is ineffective against treating the COVID-19 virus and the side effects can be potentially dangerous.
The FDA has received multiple reports of people who were hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for horses. In July 2021, poison control centers across the country reported a five-fold increase in the number of calls for human exposure to ivermectin. Drugs prescribed for animals are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals and therefore may be toxic to humans.
Side effects may include, but are not limited to:
- Skin rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Facial or limb swelling
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Liver injury (hepatitis)
Call the WA Poison Center immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms after taking Ivermectin: (800) 222-1222. Call 911 if someone is experiencing seizures or loses consciousness. |
