

Page Updated 9-18-20 5:35pm

COVID-19 INFORMATION | CURRENT STATUS: PHASE 2

NEW HOURS AT THE TESTING SITE. NOW OPEN:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

No appointment necessary.

Español | Additional language resources





Governor Inslee Announces changes to the Safe Start Reopening Washington Plan.

Skagit County currently meets one of the five metrics.





COVID-19 CASES IN SKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS

Community transmission of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring in Skagit County. Skagit County Public Health only tracks COVID-19 cases of Skagit County residents to avoid duplication in reporting. Facilities in our community may be caring for patients who are from another county.



Note: Data is based on available information at time of reporting. Further case investigation can result in corrections to numbers originally reported. This data is changing rapidly as labs conduct tests and discover new cases.

Date Positive* +/-* Hospitalized** Deaths Recovered 9/18/2020 1073 +3 96 22 864

*Total lab confirmed cases known to Skagit County Public Health +/- indicates increase or decrease in number of positive cases since last update.

**Total number of positive cases who were hospitalized at any point during their illness.

OTHER DATA







WHO TO CALL

(Updated 7/6/20 4:00 pm)

PUBLIC HEALTH: If you have questions for Skagit County Public Health, or are in need of assistance picking up supplies or food while in isolation/quarantine, you can call 360-416-1500 between 8:30am and 4:30pm daily.

To report groups of people not practicing social distancing, call 360-416-1892 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily. They will pass the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency.



DOH Hotline: If you have questions about what is happening in Washington or how the virus spreads, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #, or text “Coronavirus” to 211-211. Phone lines are staffed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

PREVENTION

Until a vaccine and/or treatment is developed, physical distancing, wearing a mask, and good hygiene are the only tools we have to prevent transmission of COVID-19.



MASKS: Masks or cloth face coverings are now required whenever you are in public in the state of Washington, with a few exceptions. Masks are an effective, cheap and simple way to slow the spread of COVID-19.



As on June 26, 2020, Governor Inslee has required that masks be worn by all Washingtonians while in public. Read more here



This requirement is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others and frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING DURING PHASE 2

(Updated 6/5/20 3:00pm)



In order for businesses to stay open under the Safe Start - Reopening Washington plan, personal responsibility and good physical distancing are more important than ever. During Phase 2, please continue to observe physical distancing practices including:

Staying six feet apart from anyone outside your immediate household that you come into contact with when in public

If medically able, wearing a mask a in public at all times

Washing your hands frequently

Not touching your face or mask with unclean hands

Further, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 please stay home and get tested as soon as possible. On June 25, the Centers for Disease Control broaden their guidance on who is at risk for contracting severe COVID-19. People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions should consider themselves high risk. For a full list of what medical conditions, please visit the CDC’s website. This update does not affect any previously issued recommendations or guidance.Phase 2 allows for you to gather with five or fewer people from outside your household per week( (i.e. you should only see five total people from outside your household every seven days). Any gathering poses an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission and we encourage you to be thoughtful about any gathering.







WHAT'S OPEN- Phase 2

All services previously identified as essential include grocery stores, gas stations, food supply chains and other things necessary.

Manufacturing businesses

In- home domestic services, such as nannies or housekeeping

Retail, with restrictions

Real estate

Professional services and office based businesses (telework still strongly encouraged)

Hair and nail salons, barbershops

Pet groomers

Restaurants and taverns with less than 50 percent capacity.

Full list of industry specific safety guidance’s

If you are a business owner, and have questions about how to reopen safely, please call our Public Health Department at 360-416-1500.

WHAT'S PROHIBITED

Public or private large group gatherings, except for outdoor religious services.

On May 6, 2020, Dr. Leibrand recommended the cancellation or postponement of large scale events through the end of the summer including fairs, parades, fesitivals, overnight residential camps, fireworks displays or any other large group gatherings. Read the full recommendation here.

Businesses, services or entertainment venues not explicitly listed above.



Food assistance: Learn more about emergency food access during the COVID-19 response.









IF YOU ARE SICK

(Updated 7/8/20 4:00pm)

If you have severe symptoms of COVID-19, including fever of 100.4 degrees or higher and cough, please seek care at one of Skagit County’s respiratory clinics or through your provider. People experiencing shortness of breath or other serious symptoms need to seek medical consultation immediately. Call your provider, urgent care, or emergency department first before going in.



If you need to be seen for other medical concerns, please call your provider. Many are offering telehealth, and have taken extra measures to protect anyone that needs to be seen in person. Do not put off medical concerns.

If you are enrolled with Apple Health and do not know who your medical provider is, you can call your health plan directly for assistance. Nurse Helplines are available 24/7.

If you are uninsured or worried about your legal status and concerned about your symptoms, you may call Community Health Plan of Washington’s 24/7 Nurse Helpline at 1-866-418-2920.



Respiratory Clinics: There are three respiratory clinics in Skagit County.



Skagit Regional Health is offering a walk-in respiratory Clinic at one location in Mount Vernon. This is a walk-in clinic, no appointment necessary.

Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. and weekends/holidays: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Riverbend Urgent Care, 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon.





Island Hospital is offering a respiratory clinic at one location. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, please call before going in.

Phone: 360-293-3101

Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 2601 M Avenue, Suite C, Anacortes

United General Medical Clinic is offering a respiratory clinic at one location. You may call first or walk in.

Hours: 8am – 6pm Monday through Friday

Phone: 360-856-8830

PeaceHealth Sedro Woolley Clinic

1990 Hospital Drive, Suite 110

Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284







SCHOOLS

(Updated 7/8/20 4:00 pm)

Skagit County school districts are in process of planning for fall. School will look different in September but districts are working diligently to that assure safe and effective student learning can occur at all grade levels. Resources for schools and families can be found at:

FOR BUSINESSES/EMPLOYEES



(Updated 5/12/20 4:00 pm)

Updated mask guidance for businesses

If you are able to donate or manufacture Personal Protective Equipment, we need your help. Please click here.

The COVID-19 outbreak across the globe has - and will continue to have - significant health, social, and economic impacts on our community. We understand this impact will fall heavily on the business sector. Your business is an important part of our community.



Essential Employers should:

Maximize telecommuting options for as many employees as possible

Urge employees to stay home when they are sick and maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits

Stagger start and end times to reduce large numbers of people congregating at the same time

Abide by the latest guidance for disinfection and cleaning

Resources for businesses, workers and employers are being made available every day.



The governor’s office has a webpage with all the new guidance for COVID-19. It will be updated regularly as new guidance is issued.



AWB launches website to help Washington businesses



The Association of Washington Business announced a new website aimed at helping Washington businesses safely welcome back employees and customers. The website, located at www.reboundandrecovery.org, features an online portal to connect Washington businesses with ‘Made in Washington’ manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE), plus a toolkit for small businesses to help prepare their physical spaces for reopening and assist in communicating new health and safety protocols with employees and customers. The site is free to use and available to all Washington businesses.

General Information

Financial and Benefits Resources

If you are not able to work because of this pandemic, check out these resources from the state Employment Security Department:

The Employment Security Department has information for workers and employers impacted by COVID-19.

The state Employment Security Department has made significant changes to its website to help workers find the information they need including:

New “Road to Recovery” series launches on TVW. State leaders have launched a new Q&A series with TVW called “Road to Recovery” to talk about how businesses and workers can navigate their way through the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first episode, host Mike McClanahan and Employment Security Dept. Commissioner Suzi LeVine discuss the steps people must take to receive financial help due to the COVID-19 situation.

Disaster Cash Assistance Program: WA Department of Social and Health Services has opened coronavirus relief funding to people without citizenship status or proof of a Social Security number. People not eligible for other COVID-19 assistance programs can apply if they meet income and resource thresholds. Single individuals can claim up to $363, and the amount increases depending on the household size up to $1,121 for eight or more in a home. Applicants receive a one-time payment in a 12-month period.

Facilities Resources



Public Health - Seattle & King County and CDC have provided resources and facility-based guidance. In the interest of maximizing staff time for response efforts, we are sharing what our peer local health jurisdiction has recommended, rather than recreating materials or guidance.

FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS & SENIORS

(Updated 9/1/20 10:10 am)

If you are an at-risk individual who is on quarantine or isolation, and you find yourself in need of assistance with getting/picking up supplies or food, or knowing where to call to get such resources delivered to you, call the Skagit County Resource Assistance Line at 1-360-416-1892 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.

Your health and the health of those you care about are important, and it is recommended that you try to stay at home and away from other people during this time. Preparing for this requires some planning.

Make sure you can contact your regular healthcare provider when you need advice. Some clinics use the “patient portals” to communicate and most of them will have staff who can take your calls to give advice. Please keep in mind that they will likely be very busy, so try to anticipate your needs.

when you need advice. Some clinics use the “patient portals” to communicate and most of them will have staff who can take your calls to give advice. Please keep in mind that they will likely be very busy, so try to anticipate your needs. Make a list of medicines that you need regularly and ask the pharmacy or your healthcare provider if you can have an extra supply or prescription. Mail order is a good option to help avoid going to the store.

regularly and ask the pharmacy or your healthcare provider if you can have an extra supply or prescription. Mail order is a good option to help avoid going to the store. Have a plan for if you get sick. CDC has a form on which you can list your current health conditions and treatments: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/pdf/Complete-Care-Plan-Form-508.pdf. If you have a caregiver, determine who can care for you if your caregiver gets sick.

CDC has a form on which you can list your current health conditions and treatments: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/pdf/Complete-Care-Plan-Form-508.pdf. If you have a caregiver, determine who can care for you if your caregiver gets sick. Talk with your neighbors and plan for ways you can help take care of one another. Ask for support and help if you need it.

and plan for ways you can help take care of one another. Ask for support and help if you need it. Consider stocking up on extra food or personal hygiene supplies. Call your local stores and national chains to see if they have a curbside pickup or home delivery option available. This will help you avoid going into the store where there are lots of people. If you are trying to avoid public places and have to go to the store, consider your ability to go during times when it is less busy.

or personal hygiene supplies. Call your local stores and national chains to see if they have a curbside pickup or home delivery option available. This will help you avoid going into the store where there are lots of people. If you are trying to avoid public places and have to go to the store, consider your ability to go during times when it is less busy. Practice good health habits, including washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you don’t feel well.

For more information on Meals and Wheels and frozen lunch pick-up program options, please call your local senior center:

Mount Vernon Senior Center, 360-416-1585, Kristl Hobbs or Nickie McNulty

Sedro-Woolley Senior Center, 360-855-1531, Ellen Schweigert or Merrilee Komboukos

Burlington Senior Center, 360-755-0942 or 360-755-0102, Jackie Cress or Cheryl Kaufman

Anacortes Senior Activity Center, 360-293-7473, Amanda Miller or Annette Saling



CARE FACILITIES

(Updated 8/18/20 1:00pm)

On August 6, 2020, Governor Inslee announced a guidance that will allow long-term care facilities to offer visitation and other activities. The announcement did not constitute an immediate reopening of all long-term care facilities; the plan goes into effect on August 12 and individual facilities must meet additional parameters before re-opening.

You can read the full guidance here:

CHILDCARE

(Updated 5/15/20 4:00pm)

Skagit County Public Health continues to strongly encourage parents and guardians who can keep their children home at this time to do so. Keeping children at home, hiring a nanny or babysitter to provide one-to-one care, or sharing care responsibilities with other parents in groups of no more than two or three children will help reduce the risk of spreading this disease.



If you need child care, please call the Child Care Aware Family Center at 1-800-446-1114 or go to their website. Alternately, you can contact your local school district. You can find additional information on you school’s website.

If you reside in a neighboring county, information on childcare is available here.



Child care providers must be able to meet health and safety requirements, which includes updated guidance available here. Requirements include excluding sick employees from work; sending sick children home; meeting all CDC recommended cleaning and disinfecting procedures; and ensuring proper hand hygiene and sanitation are readily available to all children and staff.



School nutrition programs: Although schools are closed, school districts are distributing meals to students in need. Distribution plans vary by school site. You can find info about school nutrition services in our region here.

The WSU Extension of Skagit also created a map of school lunch delivery points, available here. For the most up-to-date information, visit your school district’s website.

RESOURCES FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES





SCAM ALERTS

(Updated 4/6/20 5:00pm)

Sadly, scammers seize the opportunity to take advantage of people in times like this. Please be cautious about potential scams. There are a lot of new websites popping up offering PPE; please be cautious about giving out your credit card information.

If you spot a scam, please tell the Federal Trade Commission. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General also has information and resources for reporting scams.

GENERAL RESOURCES FOR SKAGITONIANS

PUBLIC HEALTH: If you are an at-risk individual who is on quarantine or isolation, and you find yourself in need of assistance with getting supplies or food, call 360-416-1500 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.



LOCAL FOOD BANKS: If you need food or supplies from local food banks, please call first to learn about revised pickup options and hours of operation. List of local food banks and contact information.



FOOD ASSISTANCE: Learn more about emergency food access during the COVID-19 response.

WIC: WIC is for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding moms, infants, and children under five. Find out if you’re eligible and sign up here.



HOUSING: COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium Complaint form: The Office of the Attorney General created a hotline for complaints about evictions in violation of the governor’s moratorium on certain residential evictions during the COVID-19 public health emergency Mortgage assistance available for those affected by COVID-19: The Department of Financial Institutions is taking steps to assist distressed Washington homeowners who are unable to make their mortgage payments due to COVID-19 restrictions.



PSE bill assistance

Community Action | En Español

Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Resources [Organized by language]



HEALTH INSURANCE: If you recently lost your insurance due to a job loss or another event, you may be eligible to enroll for health insurance on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Individuals who are currently uninsured can contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker or Enrollment Center to start the special enrollment process. These insurance experts are available by phone and can also answer any questions consumers may have and help them get enrolled. Consumers can find local experts using the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or visiting here.



If you are uninsured or worried about your legal status and concerned about your symptoms, you may call Community Health Plan of Washington’s 24/7 Nurse Helpline at 1-866-418-2920.



Washington State’s COVID-19 Resource Page has links to State data, opening phases, family and business guidance, and more.

General educational materials, in PDF form and multiple languages, are available here from the Washington State Department of Health.



Coronavirus and health insurance: Information about coronavirus and health insurance for consumers, insurers and medical providers is now available in six languages.



Apple Health clients: The Health Care Authority is taking several steps to help ensure Apple Health (Medicaid) clients have access to high-quality physical and behavioral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.



FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: The pandemic is causing financial hardship and uncertainty for many of us. If you are in need, here are a few resources that may help: