The World Health Organization warned Monday that the global risk from the omicron variant is “very high.” Meanwhile, Stanwood and Camano COVID cases recorded last week totaled 111.
Coronavirus
Skagit County Public Health reported only 206 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Nov. 21 to Nov. 27, though the week included only three reporting days instead of five because of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Officials OK COVID boosters for more people; local virus cases hold steady
Skagit County will close its COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinic at the county fairgrounds on Jan. 28, as Public Health staff return to their regular duties.
The rate of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County has dropped for the third consecutive week.
The rate of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County remains high even as case rates elsewhere in the state are declining.
The supply of vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 remains far short of demand, local health officials said last week.
The rate of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County has dropped for the second consecutive week — but just barely.
Burlington physician Eric Stark wants people to know that health professionals are emotionally invested in what is happening to those in their care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal and state officials have approved vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 — but it may take days and weeks to meet initial demand.
The rate of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County dropped slightly last week, but still remains high.
Doses of Pfizer’s newly authorized COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 are here in Skagit County.
COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County are spreading most rapidly among younger people, particularly school-aged children, Snohomish Health District officials said last week.
Skagit County Public Health reported 463 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Oct. 24 through Oct. 30.
Stanwood-Camano School District has put four employees on leave over the governor’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate.
Skagit County Public Health reported 459 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Oct. 17 through Oct. 23.
With federal approval having been given Thursday for booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, the county-run vaccination and testing site at the Skagit County Fairgrounds is preparing to administer the shots starting Monday.
The number of new virus cases is sliding downward, but still remains high, local health officials said.
Skagit County Public Health reported 382 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Oct. 10 through Oct. 16.
Skagit County has surpassed 10,000 COVID-19 cases and 100 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Local COVID cases continue to slowly decline but remain relatively high.
Skagit County Public Health reported 387 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Oct. 3 through Oct. 9.
The COVID-19 vaccines are keeping people out of hospitals, newly released data from the Snohomish Health District confirms.
Skagit County Public Health reported 440 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Sept. 26 through Oct. 2.
In mid-February, Camano Island resident Karen Henderson was in a coma and on a ventilator facing a very bleak future. “She’s a walking miracle," her husband says of her long journey to recovery.
COVID-19 continues to inflict pain and death in Skagit County.As of Monday, Skagit recorded its third-highest number of cases in a month, its second-highest number of deaths in a month, and its highest number of hospitalizations since the pandemic reached here in March 2020.Eleven people hav…
More adjustments are coming to Skagit County’s COVID-19 vaccine and testing site, after staff had a busy first day Monday administering vaccine boosters.
Cases of COVID-19 in the Stanwood-Camano community appear to have stopped climbing but remain at near-record highs.
Skagit County Public Health reported 398 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Sept. 19 through Sept. 25.
Cases in Stanwood-Camano schools continue to pop up, local hospitals remain filled to the brim and COVID transmission rates are still hovering near record levels.
Skagit County Public Health reported 410 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Sept. 12 through Sept. 18.
With demand for COVID-19 tests maxing out available resources, Skagit County Public Health is restricting eligibility for tests and vaccinations at its county fairgrounds site.
The growth in local COVID case rates have leveled off, but remain at or near all-time highs.
Skagit County Public Health reported 372 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Sept. 5 through Sept. 11.
A surge in COVID-19 patients is stretching thin hospital resources from beds to staff and putting local and regional health care systems in a precarious position.
As the local COVID wave continues, it is straining area hospitals and creating a surge in demand for testing.
Skagit County Public Health reported 394 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Aug. 29 through Sept. 4.
Skagit County Public Health administered 226 COVID-19 tests and 34 doses of the vaccine Monday on the first day of the newly reopened testing and vaccination site at the Skagit County Fairgrounds.
Stanwood and Camano are each posting record numbers of COVID-19 infections. Meanwhile, Snohomish County is on track to also reach record levels of COVID-19 transmission, health officials said.
Skagit County Public Health reported 359 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Aug. 22 through Aug. 28.
MOUNT VERNON — Firefighters, a school district employee and an elected official were among those who took the stage Thursday afternoon at a rally against COVID-19 vaccine mandates recently announced by Gov. Jay Inslee.
Despite COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations being on par with the worst of the pandemic, Skagit County decision-makers aren’t considering broad restrictions on gatherings.
Skagit County will reopen its COVID-19 testing and vaccination site at the Skagit County Fairgrounds on Aug. 30.
“Masks required here” signs are back up at many Skagit County businesses, informing customers of a new statewide face covering mandate that began Monday.
With local COVID-19 case rates at or near record highs, area health officials are urging people to get a vaccine, wear masks in public spaces and avoid large gatherings.
With the rate of new COVID-19 cases near an all-time high in Skagit County, the county will likely reopen its testing and vaccination site at the Skagit County Fairgrounds.
Skagit County Public Health reported 371 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Aug. 15 through Aug. 21.
MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church and Skagit County Public Health are teaming up Saturday to host a free question-and-answer session in English and Spanish about COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 is spreading quickly in Skagit County, and hospitalizations are rivaling the worst surges seen during the pandemic.
This area’s three local hospitals are gearing up to make sure all of their employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as the virus case count continues upward.
Skagit County Public Health reported 114 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running Aug. 1 through Aug. 7.
MOUNT VERNON — After nearly 16 months of separation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a group has reunited at the Mount Vernon Senior Center.
Skagit County announced Thursday an immediate return to requiring masks be worn in county facilities, regardless of vaccination status, for those 5 and older.
Skagit County Public Health reported 43 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-period running July 25 to July 31.
Skagit County Health Officer Howard Leibrand said Monday that vaccination is key defense against COVID-19 as the delta variant continues to spread, but masks remain another tool for protection — one that even the vaccinated should consider in order to protect others.
Skagit County Public Health reported 79 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running July 18 through July 24.
Skagit County Public Health has reported 31 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running July 11 to July 17.
Medicine
Two cases of a new, highly-contagious variant of COVID-19 have been identified in Skagit County, Skagit County Public Health said in a news release Thursday.
Skagit County’s COVID-19 vaccination rate has slowed to a crawl in recent weeks because of a decline in demand.
Skagit County Public Health reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running July 4 to July 10.
Skagit County Public Health has reported 23 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running June 13 through June 19.
The date is lodged in Erin’s Long mind. She doesn’t need to comb through records or consult a calendar.
COVID-19 cases in Skagit County have fallen to the lowest rate in 13 weeks, while vaccination rates continue a slow, but steady, climb.
Skagit County Public Health reported 42 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running June 6 through June 12.
Skagit County Public Health reported 35 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running May 30 to June 5.
Skagit County Public Health reported 77 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running May 23 to May 29.
Forty-four people received a COVID-19 vaccine Saturday at a pop-up clinic held during a sprint car racing event at Skagit Speedway in Alger.
Skagit County Public Health has reported 56 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running May 16 to May 22.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, many people bought flowers to send to loved ones and frontline workers or to brighten their homes.
Skagit County Public Health reported 97 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period running May 9 to May 15.
Skagit County businesses are reviewing their mask policies following an announcement Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated people can remove their facial coverings in most indoor and outdoor settings.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington is on track to fully reopen its economy by June 30, and a full reopening could happen even sooner if 70% or more of residents ages 16 and older have gotten at least one dose of vaccine by then, Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday.
BURLINGTON — A special COVID-19 vaccine clinic Saturday at Burlington-Edison High School will now be open to a larger group.
Skagit County Public Health will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at 3:30 p.m. today at COA Mexican Eatery on Riverside Drive in Mount Vernon.
With the COVID-19 vaccine becoming easier to find, several Skagit County providers are offering shots to those without appointments.
Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine in Skagit County has trailed off in the weeks since eligibility expanded, forcing health leaders to consider ways to reach those not motivated to get vaccinated.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday a two-week pause in the state's COVID-19 reopening plan, a move that allows Skagit County and 12 other counties to remain in their current phase.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday a two-week pause in the state's COVID-19 reopening plan, a move that allows Snohomish County and 12 other counties to remain in their current phase.
The most recent COVID-19 data “all but guarantees” Snohomish County will rollback to Phase 2 on Saturday, May 8, local health officials said.
Infections continue to rise, even as the vaccination campaign across Skagit County makes strides.
Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen recieved the Johnson and Johnson vaccine from Skagit County Public Health, shortly after the pause was lifted.
Snohomish and Island counties are not escaping the statewide resurgence of COVID-19.
The recent numbers of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Skagit County are putting the county in jeopardy of moving back a phase in the state’s reopening plan.
There will be two pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Camano Island this week, open to anyone age 18 and older. No appointments are needed.
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community’s didgwalic Wellness Center is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Friday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge at 12885 Casino Drive.
Skagit County is on par with the rest of the nation in vaccinating people against COVID-19, but the cases here have still been climbing as the weather has warmed and phase restrictions have eased.
There were 115 new infections of COVID-19 in Skagit County between April 12-19, compared to 91 the week prior.
The didgwálič Wellness Center in Anacortes is offering a COVID-19 vaccination clinic Friday with 1,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine available.
The numbers of new COVID-19 cases per day in Skagit County remain high, but they may be leveling off.
State and local health officials warn that the region is on the cusp of a fourth COVID-19 wave with case numbers and hospitalizations rising.
With the state pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, local vaccine providers are offering alternatives.
Skagit Regional Health’s COVID-19 testing clinic will close April 19.
The state has paused using the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine while U.S. health officials investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.
After the state’s first evaluation under a new COVID-19 reopening plan, Skagit County will remain in Phase 3.
Baby showers, camping trips, high school sports, get-togethers for church, indoor gatherings —all are recent sources of local COVID-19 outbreaks.
Skagit County’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to exceed state averages amid a concerning increase in new cases.
If the rate of COVID-19 infections continues to climb, Skagit County might fail to meet metrics to remain in Phase 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery plan.
County Public Health officials are concerned with a recent increase in cases.
With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increasing, public health officials worry Snohomish County could move back into Phase 2.
Skagit County’s largest COVID-19 vaccine providers are preparing for expanded eligibility.
OLYMPIA (AP) — Washington state is opening up COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all residents age 16 and older starting on April 15, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday.
The state Department of Health is investigating reports of people in the state, including four in Skagit County, who tested positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks after they were fully vaccinated.
About 2 million more Washingtonians will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine today as health officials warn of a potential increase in cases.
Island Hospital staff celebrated 5,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses given on Tuesday, March 23.
Progress continues to be made in the effort to vaccinate Skagit County residents against COVID-19, with county Public Health staff aiming to reduce barriers encountered by vulnerable populations.
Skagit County is continuing its progress in dealing with COVID-19, outpacing state averages in vaccinations and keeping the infection rate low amid the reopening of schools and businesses.
State officials confirmed that everyone 16 and older in Washington can get in line for a COVID-19 vaccine by May 1. Meanwhile, local COVID-19 transmission rates increased slightly, with youth sports a cause, officials said.
Skagit County exceeds the state average for percentage of the population vaccinated for COVID-19, with more than a quarter of its residents successfully starting the process.
Island Hospital and Skagit County Public Health report lighter demand for COVID-19 vaccine in the past week, but expect that will change on March 31, when more people become eligible under state guidelines.
About 2 million more Washington residents will be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine starting March 31.
Before “canceled” began popping up across the Samish Indian Nation’s online events calendar in response to the threat of COVID-19 in early 2020, tribe General Manager Leslie Eastwood never envisioned teaching weaving or the tribe’s native language over video conferencing.
Island Hospital received 800 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, making it the second week in a row the hospital received an allotment after four weeks without any.“We’re very thankful to all those who have advocated for us,” Charles Hall, Island Hospital CEO, told the American on Monday.…
Larger COVID-19 vaccine shipments and the fact that many of those who are eligible have already received vaccinations mean there are more appointments available through Skagit County providers.
A few days before the Mount Vernon School Board was to meet on March 18, 2020, it had seemed as if it would be a normal board meeting.
Skagit County’s COVID-19 testing site closed Friday after nearly 11 months of testing.
OLYMPIA (AP) — The Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders and OL Reign will soon be able to welcome a limited number of fans to the stadium when they open their seasons, as the state prepares to move into a third phase of a COVID-19 economic reopening plan announced Thursday by Washington Gov. J…
One year after the first case of COVID-19 was detected in Skagit County, prompting safety measures never before seen, vaccines are arriving, albeit slowly, showing a glimpse of hope toward easing the pandemic’s hold on the world.
A year ago it became official: COVID-19 had reached Skagit County.
More doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are making their way to Skagit County, and Skagit Regional Health is working to distribute them.
Island Hospital in Anacortes is expecting 800 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine next week after four consecutive weeks of receiving no vaccine allotment.
Skagit County Public Health is expecting its largest COVID-19 vaccine allotment yet next week.
The list of Washingtonians eligible for COVID vaccines will expand later this month to include law enforcement, public transit, grocery workers and other workers in certain congregate settings.
Continuing to wear a mask in public, avoiding gatherings and getting the vaccine is the most effective means of preventing spread of COVID-19.
The B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19, also known as the United Kingdom variant, has been found in Skagit County, county public health announced today.
Island Hospital was denied any first doses of vaccine for the fourth week in a row, even as Skagit County Public Health received 600 first doses and Skagit Regional Health received a combination of 2,340 first and second doses in allotments from the state.
Skagit County could receive about $25 million in federal COVID-19 relief, and county leaders are beginning to discuss priorities for that funding.
For the second consecutive week, Skagit County Public Health registered 600 people on Saturday for their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
The state’s regions will remain in Phase 2 and not revert back to more restrictive COVID-19 requirements, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday.
Skagit Gleaners is offering free assistance to those who wish to sign up for COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
First doses of COVID-19 vaccine are again scant through Skagit County this week, with the winter storms across the nation partly to blame.
Changing COVID-19 metrics have prompted PeaceHealth United General Medical Center in Sedro-Woolley to update its policy regarding visitors.
Virus transmission decreased for the sixth consecutive week in Snohomish County, but health officials warn that there’s still a long way to go.
Skagit County Public Health registered 600 people for COVID-19 vaccination appointments this week in anticipation of a delivery after going three weeks with no new first doses.
The state has again skipped Skagit County, Island Hospital and Skagit Regional Health in its allotment of COVID-19 first-dose vaccine this week, making it two straight weeks that requests have gone unfilled. All three did receive a second dose supply to ensure those got the first will get th…
Virus transmission ticked downward for the fifth straight week in Snohomish County.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has rolled on, Skagit County's testing and vaccination site has seen changes.
Skagit Regional Health won’t be able to vaccinate any new patients next week after announcing Friday that it has been allocated no new first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
For the third consecutive week, Skagit County’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic will receive no new first doses of the vaccine, as federal deliveries continue to fall short of demand throughout the state.
* This story was updated at 8 a.m. Friday to reflect that Phase 2 begins for Skagit County on Sunday
Skagit County is experiencing a trend of fewer new COVID-19 cases, moving it closer to the next phase of the state’s reopening plan.
Frustrations surrounding inconsistent vaccine availability remains the largest hurdle to getting needles in arms.
Virus transmission fell for the fourth straight week in Snohomish County.
Island County officials last week joined a growing chorus of leaders around the state wondering why their communities are stuck in Phase 1 despite improving COVID-19 health metrics.
As many eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine wait to get an appointment, Skagit County Public Health and other health care providers are encountering small, inconsistent shipments of doses.
Skagit County Public Health will receive no doses next week of the COVID-19 vaccine for those hoping to get their first shot of the two-shot series.
About 100 employees of the La Conner School District received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, thanks to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.
Vaccine supply remains the largest hurdle in getting needles in arms. Last week, Snohomish County received about 15,000 doses — 9,000 for first shots and 6,000 for second ones. However, the county’s 93 vaccine providers are capable of administering more than 50,000 doses a week.
Numbered chairs for the precautionary 15 minute waiting period after receiving a dose are set up in Island Hospital's COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
Skagit County’s largest COVID-19 vaccine providers are preparing for expanded eligibility.
OLYMPIA (AP) — Washington state is opening up COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all residents age 16 and older starting on April 15, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday.
The state Department of Health is investigating reports of people in the state, including four in Skagit County, who tested positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks after they were fully vaccinated.
About 2 million more Washingtonians will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine today as health officials warn of a potential increase in cases.
Island Hospital staff celebrated 5,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses given on Tuesday, March 23.
Progress continues to be made in the effort to vaccinate Skagit County residents against COVID-19, with county Public Health staff aiming to reduce barriers encountered by vulnerable populations.
Skagit County is continuing its progress in dealing with COVID-19, outpacing state averages in vaccinations and keeping the infection rate low amid the reopening of schools and businesses.
State officials confirmed that everyone 16 and older in Washington can get in line for a COVID-19 vaccine by May 1. Meanwhile, local COVID-19 transmission rates increased slightly, with youth sports a cause, officials said.
Skagit County exceeds the state average for percentage of the population vaccinated for COVID-19, with more than a quarter of its residents successfully starting the process.
Island Hospital and Skagit County Public Health report lighter demand for COVID-19 vaccine in the past week, but expect that will change on March 31, when more people become eligible under state guidelines.
About 2 million more Washington residents will be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine starting March 31.
Before “canceled” began popping up across the Samish Indian Nation’s online events calendar in response to the threat of COVID-19 in early 2020, tribe General Manager Leslie Eastwood never envisioned teaching weaving or the tribe’s native language over video conferencing.
Island Hospital received 800 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, making it the second week in a row the hospital received an allotment after four weeks without any.“We’re very thankful to all those who have advocated for us,” Charles Hall, Island Hospital CEO, told the American on Monday.…