December 1, 2021
SKAGIT COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE
December 1, 2021: COVID-19 Updates from Skagit County
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccine Data
Skagit has a total of 12,832 cases; an increase of 190 new cases since last Wednesday. Skagit has a total of 746 hospitalizations (increased by 22 since Wednesday), and 134 deaths (increased by 7).
Our case and hospitalizations rates continue to decline (though—of course—they’re still higher than we’d like to see). Currently our case rate is 495.2 per 100k over the last 14 days and our hospitalization rate is 16.1 per 100k over the last seven days.
A total of 201,774 doses have been administered in Skagit County. We are now at 76.2% partially vaccinated amongst our population 12 years and older, and 70.3% fully vaccinated amongst
Skagitonians 12 and older.
Pediatric Vaccines at the Fairgrounds
Pfizer COVID-19 Pediatric vaccines are available—by appointment only—for children 5-11 years old. To make an appointment for a pediatric vaccine, go to: https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov/. Search for "Skagit County Public Health" under Name of Location.
For more information about pediatric vaccine, go to: https://bit.ly/3Csp7BE.
Booster Updates
Booster doses of all three COVID-19 vaccine types are now available for everyone 18 and older. At least six months after receiving both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:
- Adults age 50 and older, or those 18 and older living in a long-term care facility, should receive a booster dose, and
- Those 18 through 49 may receive a booster dose.
Everyone 18 and older who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster shot two months after getting vaccinated.
To find a booster vaccine, go to https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/ or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline, dial 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Reminder: Boosters are not currently available at the Fairgrounds Vaccine Site.
Vaccine Verification & WA Notify
There’s a new way to verify your COVID-19 vaccination on the go: WA Notify. If you are planning to attend a large event, bar, restaurant, or other establishment that requires proof of vaccination, you can use the new WA Notify app on your smartphone. For more information about this new resource, go to the WA Department of Health’s blog here: https://bit.ly/3rpNoXk.
Please keep in mind that you aren’t required to use this app. Your Vaccination Card or a print-out or screenshot of your vaccination record from MyIR Mobile.
If you’ve misplaced your Vaccination Card, please stop by the Public Health office during regular business hours at 700 S 2nd street (3rd floor) in Mount Vernon.
Guidance for Traveling during the Holidays
Holidays bring people together. Last year, many of us chose to come together virtually or in small groups. This year, with vaccination rates above 70 percent amongst Skagitonians 12 and older, we expect that folks will be eager to gather—and even travel once again.
So, how do you travel safely? And should you travel at all? Read our recent blog post here: https://bit.ly/3nQ53UK.
Masking Reminder for the Holidays
As Skagitonians are out and about preparing for holiday festivities, please remember: masking is still critical—and required—in all indoor public spaces AND certain outdoor settings. This includes all local businesses, chain outlets, and grocery stores.
The statewide mask mandate requires that all people five years of age and older must wear a mask in public indoor settings and at large, outdoor events with 500 or more attendees, including sporting events, fairs, parades, and concerts, regardless of vaccination status.
It is imperative that people wear their mask properly. To be effective, a mask must cover the nose, mouth, and chin, and must fit snuggly against one’s face. For tips on getting the best fit, visit the CDC’s mask guidance webpage here.
|