December 22, 2021
COVID-19 Updates from Skagit County
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccine Data
Skagit has a total of 12,462 cases; an increase of 217 new cases since last Wednesday. Skagit has a total of 787 hospitalizations (increased by 6 since Wednesday), and 148 deaths (increased by 3).
Skagit’s case rate is 312.8 per 100k over the last 14 days and our hospitalization rate is 13.0 per 100k over the last seven days.
A total of 216,777 doses have been administered in Skagit County. We are now at 77.5% partially vaccinated amongst our population 12 years and older, and 71.4% fully vaccinated amongst Skagitonians 12 and older.
Omicron Variant Update
Last Thursday, Public Health announced that three cases of the Omicron variant have been reported in Skagit County. We know that Omicron is circulating in our community, and it is expected that infections from this new variant will continue to increase over the next several weeks, causing another spike in cases.
And though a spike it expected, this does not mean that it is time to be discouraged. The CDC has stated that we have the tools to fight the spread of Omicron, including the layered protection of vaccination, boosters, masking, and testing.
For our Health Officer’s full statement: https://bit.ly/3GSLov1
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Update
Last week, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released a statement recommending that people 18 and older choose to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) instead of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine.
This update follows guidance and recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Individuals who wish to receive the J&J vaccine are encouraged to reach out to their health care provider to discuss their options as J&J will still be available across the state.
For the full press release: https://bit.ly/3qiU4US
Boosters at the Public Health Office
Skagit County Public Health is providing booster doses for eligible individuals—BY APPOINTMENT—at the Skagit County Public Health Office, located at 700 S 2nd Street (3rd floor) in downtown Mount Vernon, as well as the Skagit County Fairgrounds, located at 501 Taylor Street in Mount Vernon.
Appointments can be scheduled online by going to https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov/ and searching for “Skagit County Public Health” under the Name of Location box. For assistance, call Public Health at (360) 416-1500.
Available appointments:
Daytime appointments at Downtown Mount Vernon location:
Evening appointments at the Fairgrounds:
New appointments are added each Monday at 9:00 a.m.
Pediatric Vaccines at the Fairgrounds
Pfizer COVID-19 Pediatric vaccines continue to be 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.
Available appointments:
For more information about pediatric vaccine, go to: https://bit.ly/3Csp7BE.
At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits Available
Beginning this week, Skagit County residents can order testing kits online for free home delivery! The COVID-19 tests are authorized for use by the FDA, provided free of charge, and the entire testing process can be managed privately at home. Tests require a quick swab inside each nostril, and results can be read in just 10 minutes.
Testing on a routine basis offers the best chance of identifying COVID-19 infection and isolating early. Use your test if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who may be positive for COVID-19. You should test immediately if having symptoms, or 3-5 days after suspected exposure, even if you don’t experience any symptoms.
To order, visit SayYesCovidHomeTest.org and enter your zip code. Need assistance? Call Public Health at (360) 416-1500. Please know that orders are limited to 4 kits (or 8 tests) per household. This program will be available while supplies last.
If you receive a positive test result, please call the state COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-525-0127 (press #) as soon as possible. The hotline is available Monday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Tuesday to Sunday (and observed holidays) 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Looking for a PCR test? Visit our website for a full list of testing providers in Skagit County. |
