Skagit County says that both the Covid infection rate and the hospitalization rate have dropped over the past week as the county has seen more Covid deaths.
Skagit County’s 14-day case rate has decreased by 44 percent since last week, and our hospitalization rate has decreased by 21 percent. Our county has seen 5 new COVID-related deaths this week. Vaccination rates continue to climb slowly. Skagit County has officially reached 75 percent partially vaccinated amongst our eligible population (5+). Disease activity, though improving weekly, is still considered “HIGH” according to CDC metrics. Please continue to take precaution, get vaccinated and boosted, and remain home if sick or recently exposed.
Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate
Governor Inslee announced last week that as of March 21st, 2022, masks will no longer be required in indoor locations such as restaurants, grocery stores, malls, public-facing offices, K-12 schools, and childcare locations throughout the state. The outdoor mask mandate was officially lifted last Friday, February 18th.
The lifting of the mask mandate will not include certain indoor settings considered to be at high-risk for disease spread including healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and correctional facilities. Additionally, the federal mask mandate is still in effect and requires masking on all forms of public transportation, including buses, trains, and airplanes, and in transportation hubs.
Following the lifting of the mandate, Washingtonians can continue to wear a mask if they so choose. This goes for businesses, as well, who will retain the right to choose stricter masking requirements if desired.
There may be certain settings where wearing a mask makes sense, like when caring for someone who is high-risk, if you are sick, if you’re in a location where social distancing isn’t possible, or if you are not fully vaccinated. Those who are at greater risk because of factors such as their age or underlying health condition are encouraged to continue to take extra precautions.
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. To make an appointment, go to www.skagitcounty.net/COVIDvaccine or call (360) 416-1500. Walk-ins are also available, though appointments are preferred.
Available appointments include:
- Wednesday 2/23 -click here
- Thursday 2/24 -click here
- Monday 2/28 -click here
- Tuesday 3/01 -click here
- Wednesday 3/02 -click here
- Thursday 3/03 -click here
For a full list of vaccination providers available in Skagit County, go to Vaccine Locator or call the Hotline at 1-800-525-0127.
Antigen Testing at the Fairgrounds
REMINDER: The Skagit Fairgrounds COVID Testing Site is open today (2/23) from 12pm-4pm.
Antigen testing is available at the Fairgrounds on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12pm to 4pm. Testing is free and available to anyone 5 years and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Skagit County. Individuals must be symptomatic or have had recent exposure to COVID-19 to qualify for service at the site.
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 can now be ordered online through the following sites:
- SayYesCOVIDHomeTest.org (state program)
- COVIDtests.gov (federal program)
Please note that only one order can be placed per household for both the state and federal programs.
If testing at home and you receive a positive test result, please call the state’s COVID-19 Hotline as soon as possible at 1–800–525–0127 or the Skagit County Public Health office at (360) 416-1500.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, are symptomatic, or have been recently exposed, please refer to the CDC's Isolation and Quarantine Guidance found here: https://bit.ly/3JQLIwF.