Island Hospital’s first public vaccine clinics scheduled for next week filled up only 22 minutes after going live at noon today.
Coronavirus
Skagit County's phone service was intermittent for several hours Wednesday after being overloaded with calls from those seeking appointments to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
UPDATE: All vaccine appointments at the hospital are full.
Anacortesans will now be back to pumping iron and breaking a sweat in their local fitness centers – with stipulations. Thrive Community Fitness, Soar Fitness and the gym at Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center can now be partially open with Gov. Jay Inslee’s new COVID-19 safe reopening phase sy…
Virus transmission dropped last week in Snohomish County but still remains high — and officials said the downward trend is likely temporary.
Eligible members of the public can now schedule COVID-19 vaccinations at several locations in and near Skagit County.
Skyrocketing cases of COVID-19 in Whatcom County have impacted the region’s progress toward advancing in the state’s recovery plan, according to a state report.
Skagit County Public Health expects to receive 1,000 more doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine soon, its first significant shipment of vaccine in several weeks.
MOUNT VERNON — The Haggen Pharmacy in Mount Vernon will offer COVID-19 vaccinations this weekend to those eligible under Phase 1A of the state’s vaccination schedule.
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — Country Meadow Village hasn’t had a case of COVID-19 among its residents.
Those over 70 years old will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Skagit County on Jan. 26, as the county announced plans Thursday to move into Phase 1b.
The Skagit County Board of Health canceled plans Thursday to consider civil penalties for violating county health orders, including those related to COVID-19, as the Public Health department shifts its focus to vaccinations.
Skagit County Public Health received no new doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week from the state.
The COVID-19 vaccine is here, but neither Island Hospital nor all of Skagit County have yet received what they expected or need to advance in the distribution phases laid out by the state Department of Health.
Virus transmission is back on the upswing in Snohomish County after a single-day record of new infections last week.
More and more of the COVID-19 vaccines are making their way into the arms of Stanwood-Camano residents.
School nursing staff were invited Thursday to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
MOUNT VERNON — Amid reports nationwide of overburdened intensive care units, the number of COVID-19 patients at Skagit Valley Hospital appears to be under control.
Public health leaders in Skagit County had varied reactions Wednesday to Gov. Jay Inslee’s new plan to reopen the state’s economy.
Skagit County has received fewer does of the COVID-19 vaccine than neighboring counties, and local officials have not been given an explanation.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced a new reopening plan Tuesday, putting more emphasis on improving data in a region. However, the new plan still splits Stanwood and Camano Island into different regions.
The COVID-19 infection rate ticked up in Snohomish County last week. Meanwhile, vaccine distribution is ramping up.
In the first few months of 2020, Skagit County residents watched the novel coronavirus inflict a brutal toll on countries throughout the world.
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — A conference room at PeaceHealth United General Medical Center served as a vaccine clinic Thursday morning, with such carefully chosen details as tape on the floor to encourage social distancing and Looney Tunes characters on the adhesive bandages.
Skagit County expects to receive 500 more doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine next Monday.
The COVID-19 infection rate is trending downward in Snohomish County, but officials warn there’s still a long way to go on the road to recovery.
The Skagit County Board of Health will hold a public hearing next month on a proposal to establish civil fines for violations of safety orders issued by the county health officer, including those related to COVID-19.
The newly-approved Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is headed to Skagit County.
MOUNT VERNON — More than 100 area health care workers received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday.
The COVID-19 infection rate dropped in the Stanwood area during the first two weeks of December — the first decline since summer.
Skagit County received its first doses Thursday of the first approved COVID-19 vaccine.
As COVID-19 vaccine begins to roll out across the country, local health officials are urging people to maintain their efforts to fight the virus as inoculation will take months.
ANACORTES — Northwest Educational Service District 189 is preparing to distribute thousands of items of personal protective equipment to local school districts.
The first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have arrived in the state, and should be administered this week.
Dozens of food boxes were distributed Friday to Latino and indigenous Latino families in Skagit County as part of a project supporting food access and area farmers.
A total of 54 residents and staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at two long-term care facilities in Burlington and Anacortes.
Stanwood-Camano School District announced Thursday afternoon it will suspend in-person learning during the first two weeks in January after winter break.
Skagit County’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing site is now funded through January, but its long-term future is at risk without further government assistance.
About a month after fresh statewide restrictions were put in place, the coronavirus continues to spread rapidly, steadily filling hospitals.
With several COVID-19 vaccines working their way through the regulatory process, local authorities are creating plans for distribution.
This story was updated Saturday afternoon.
Severe cases of COVID-19 are placing additional strain on Skagit County hospitals, but health care leaders say their facilities have the capacity to care for an even greater surge in patients.
The number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are rising in Skagit County, with 36 people hospitalized in November, the highest number since the virus was found in Skagit County.
With November over, it's clear Skagit County experienced its worst month yet of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The coronavirus continues to spread rapidly throughout the region, and health officials are increasingly preparing for a surge in hospitalizations.
Stanwood businesses are eligible for Round 2 of grant money to help weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vast majority of Skagit County businesses are complying with emergency rules to curb the spread of COVID-19. A few have been cited and fined for violations.
A Washington State University survey has found that 30% of households in the state have experienced food insecurity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
While state policies to curb the spread of COVID-19 have created hardships, data analysis conducted at Western Washington University shows they make a difference.
The increased rate in new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County and statewide has prompted Skagit Regional Health to activate its plan to deal with more patients.
A Washington State University survey has found that 30% of households in the state have experienced food insecurity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
While state policies to curb the spread of COVID-19 have created hardships, data analysis conducted at Western Washington University shows they make a difference.
The increased rate in new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County and statewide has prompted Skagit Regional Health to activate its plan to deal with more patients.
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The COVID-19 outbreak at Josephine Caring Community has grown to at least 142 cases and caused 10 deaths, the Snohomish Health District announced Monday evening. The outbreak has now sent 11 others to the hospital.
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The coronavirus is now widespread throughout the region, particularly in the Stanwood area, according to Snohomish Health District data updated Monday.
As a new shutdown hurts businesses and workers, much of the financial assistance that helped them earlier in the year has been depleted or is expiring at year’s end.
For Linda Allen of Mount Vernon, Thanksgiving means seeing her six grandchildren, baking with her three daughters, and cooking two turkeys — one in the oven, and one smoked outside on the grill.
Skagit County is seeing a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations as new cases continue their record-breaking climb.
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The COVID-19 outbreak at Josephine Caring Community has grown to 141 cases and caused nine deaths, the Snohomish Health District announced Friday afternoon. The outbreak has sent seven others people to the hospital.
ANACORTES — Because of increasing COVID-19 cases, the Anacortes School District is pulling back on in-person learning.
With COVID-19 cases rising throughout the county, Skagit County Superior Court has suspended some of its operations, including trials.
MOUNT VERNON — Staff at Skagit County’s COVID-19 testing site ran tests on 250 people Wednesday, the first day since the site was moved to the Skagit County Fairgrounds.
With new cases of COVID-19 continuing to climb in Skagit County, county Public Health has needed to contract with the state to help with contact tracing.
Amid a record spike in new COVID-19 cases, staff at the Helping Hands Solutions Center are bracing for a difficult winter.
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Stanwood-Camano fourth- and fifth-graders won’t return to their classroom in 2020.
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As COVID-19 cases marched to record highs, Gov. Jay Inslee instituted new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.
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In an update Tuesday morning, health officials said at least 99 COVID-19 cases have been detected at Josephine Caring Community in the past several days. The outbreak has sent seven to the hospital where five have died.
Skagit County residents seeking COVID-19 tests overloaded clinics Monday after the county’s drive-thru testing site closed temporarily to relocate.
As the spread of COVID-19 reaches an all-time high in Skagit County, county hospitals are preparing for a likely surge in severe cases.
There have been at least 94 new COVID-19 cases at Josephine Caring Community in the past several days.
An update on the COVID-19 pandemic from Gov. Jay Inslee will be streamed live at 5:30 p.m.
With COVID-19 cases rising in counties throughout the state — including Skagit — state health officials urged the public Tuesday to follow health guidelines before COVID-19 deaths rise and hospitals are overwhelmed with patients.
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Powered by a series of single-day record numbers of confirmed cases reported last week, the infection rate marched higher for the seventh straight week, according to data released Monday.
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Powered by a series of single-day record numbers of confirmed cases reported last week, the infection rate marched higher for the seventh straight week, according to data released Monday.
Skagit County counted another 37 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, making for a six-day streak of double-digit increases.
Skagit County recorded its fourth straight day of double-digit new cases for COVID-19, according to the Skagit County Public Health.
COVID-19 cases in Skagit County increased significantly this week, putting the county into the state’s high-risk category.
With the rate of new COVID-19 cases increasing in the county, two Skagit County public school districts have pulled back on plans for in-person learning.
Skagit County is receiving new rapid COVID-19 test kits, as a tool to rapidly screen patients for the virus.
New COVID-19 cases in Skagit County are climbing after several days of relatively little change.
COVID-19 case rates increased for the sixth straight week in Snohomish County but at the slowest pace since early September.
The Stanwood-Camano School District is continuing to pause efforts to bring back more students into buildings until multiple weeks of decreasing infection rates are recorded in both Island and Snohomish counties, according to a statement Wednesday evening from the district.
Two Skagit County public school districts have paused their plans to phase in more students as new cases of COVID-19 continue to climb in Skagit County.
Skagit County has reported 38 new COVID-19 cases and four new hospitalizations since last Friday, and officials are warning of a “fall surge” in cases statewide.
Stanwood-Camano fourth- and fifth-graders won’t return to their classroom until at least Nov. 9 because of the latest COVID-19 spike.
As the rate of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Snohomish and Island counties, health officials are recommending schools pause reopening plans.
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County has continued to climb, furthering a spike observed in early October.
COVID-19 cases in Snohomish and Island counties — and much of the state — are on the upswing. However, cases in the Stanwood-Camano area have remained relatively low, according to county health data.
Skagit County's COVID-19 cases are again increasing at an concerning rate, according to the county's top public health official.
After about six weeks of decline, state health officials are seeing COVID-19 cases increase throughout Washington.
top story
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus, he said Friday. The positive test comes a month until the election and after the president has spent the year largely downplaying the threat of the virus.
Coronavirus infections have been relatively low in the Stanwood area, according to data from the Snohomish Health District.
The rate of new cases of COVID-19 has continued to fall in Skagit County, even after Labor Day weekend when an increase was expected.
Using federal CARES Act dollars, the state Department of Commerce developed an Economic Recovery Dashboard that provides data on employment, consumer behavior, food assistance and other economic indicators to track the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After beginning the school year in a mostly online fashion, two Skagit County school districts announced Tuesday they intend to shift to a hybrid model, bringing back their youngest students to campuses.
Skagit County will offer an assistance program for low-income homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments due to COVID-19.
Skagit County’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing site is open longer starting this week in an effort to expand testing to those who work during regular business hours.
Joelene Green has a new office mate: 9-year-old daughter Abby.
Skagit County’s drive-thru COVID-19 test site will reopen Thursday under limited hours, after being closed for nearly a week because of poor air quality.
Skagit County’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing site will remain closed at least through Wednesday, amid continued concerns over poor air quality.
Skagit County's drive-thru COVID-19 testing site remained closed Monday because of poor air quality.
Though local COVID-19 infection rates are declining, health officials warn that the region is not out of the woods yet.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced couples and bridal businesses to rethink weddings.
BURLINGTON — The COVID-19 pandemic has brought plenty of changes — and more than enough challenges — to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, but the organization is continuing to place cats, dogs and other small animals to those who want a furry friend.
Skagit County Public Health temporarily shut down its drive-thru COVID-19 testing site Thursday due to an unhealthy amount of smoke in the air.
Skagit County is changing hours at its drive-thru COVID-19 testing site, improving access for people who work during regular business hours.
Fewer new cases of COVID-19 were reported in August than in the month prior, but Skagit County is still far from meeting state goals.
State and local officials said on Wednesday their recommendations for who should get tested for COVID-19 have not changed in light of new federal guidance on testing announced earlier this week.
Nursing homes were hit earliest and hardest by COVID-19, as the coronavirus swept through facilities and killed many.
MOUNT VERNON — A new courtroom is allowing Skagit County Superior Court to hold jury trials for the first time since March.
A Skagit County health advisory group is preparing for life after COVID-19, and how systems can be rebuilt so they are focused on recovery and equity.
Bowling alleys may reopen to league bowlers only and participants are required to wear face coverings and not share equipment, Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Thursday.
Skagit County’s COVID-19 drive-thru testing site will be restricted beginning Aug. 31 to those who live or work in the county.
About halfway through August, new COVID-19 cases are roughly on par with July — Skagit County's worst month of the pandemic.
While most students in Skagit County prepare to start the school year with online-only instruction, some will be heading back into classrooms.
Members of Skagit County’s congressional delegation agree that more COVID-19 relief funding is needed.
Two more Skagit County school boards approved Monday plans to begin the school year mostly online.
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners gave approval Monday for $809,000 in grants to help local businesses and nonprofits survive as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Bowling alleys may be forced to close permanently if the state doesn’t adjust COVID-19 restrictions to allow them to reopen, say those involved in the industry.
Hiking trails are the latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Skagit County resident has contracted a rare condition connected with COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health.
Families may be able to see their loved ones at long-term care facilities as soon as next week, according to a new plan from Gov. Jay Inslee.
Gov. Jay Inslee during a news conference Wednesday encouraged that school districts plan for online-only education this fall.
BURLINGTON — The Burlington-Edison School Board on Monday night approved a home-based learning plan that will have most of the school district’s students learning online in the fall.
Gov. Jay Inslee released guidance Monday on new restrictions being placed on gyms and fitness centers.
As they await more statewide COVID-19 restrictions, the owners of gyms and fitness centers in Skagit County are taking things day by day.
New limits on restaurants and bars that began Thursday include a 10 p.m. cut-off for alcoholic drinks and no dining inside with nonhousehold members.
The state’s top public health doctor shared Wednesday a little good news in the fight against COVID-19.
There have been 18 new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County over the past two days, according to data from county Public Health.
Tighter COVID-19 restrictions on gyms and health clubs, set to take effect Thursday, have been delayed.
MOUNT VERNON — Though several days remain in July, the month has already accounted for the largest number of COVID-19 cases and second largest tally of related hospitalizations in Skagit County.
MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon School District announced Monday that when school resumes in the fall most instruction will take place online.
After thousands suddenly lost their jobs in early spring, employment in Skagit County is increasing, but experts caution the situation is precarious as rising numbers of COVID-19 cases could bring new restrictions and shutdowns, and school closures and a child care shortage complicate return…
A handful of Skagit County farms are offering U-pick berries this season with COVID-19 modifications in place, while others are not opening their fields to the public but are providing other ways to buy berries.
Mount Vernon’s sales tax revenue continues to beat staff’s dire predictions for the COVID-19 pandemic.
New restrictions will begin taking effect next week, aimed at reducing contact between people as COVID-19 cases in Washington continue to climb.
Five new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday in Skagit County, according to data from county Public Health.
The deadline is approaching for small businesses in Skagit County to apply for a COVID-19 relief program aimed at protecting jobs and supporting struggling companies.
Skagit County had 50 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, continuing the increase in the virus’ spread.
LA CONNER — Nine businesses in La Conner — including two restaurants, an art gallery, and multiple retail shops — have permanently closed or are closing, all but one citing COVID-19 as the reason for their closures.
Latino business leaders in Skagit County shared how they are implementing COVID-19 safety protocols as they work to keep employees and customers safe.
In response to rising cases of COVID-19 in Skagit County, Burlington will once again close several of its parks facilities, Mayor Steve Sexton announced in a July 16 letter.
After a relatively quiet June and having no COVID-19 deaths since May 18, Skagit County has reported two deaths in about a week’s time.
About 1,800 Skagit County businesses and nonprofits received federal loans to help them cover expenses and pay employees during the pandemic, with a majority of funds reaching smaller to medium-size businesses, according to data released by the Small Business Administration this month.
Skagit
ANACORTES — The city of Anacortes will not host its “Open Streets” event downtown this weekend due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Skagit County.
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb, local and state officials are urging people to refocus on efforts to battle the spread of COVID-19.
Skagit Public Health leadership is skeptical that Skagit County will be ready to fully reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
A Mount Vernon nursing home is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 among residents and employees, Skagit County confirmed in a press release Monday.
Snohomish County isn’t moving onto Phase 3 anytime soon, local and state officials announced recently. And if new COVID-19 cases continue to increase, local health officials said it’s possible the county could drop back into Phase 1.
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Snohomish County could drop back into Phase 1 if new COVID-19 cases continue to increase, local officials conceded Tuesday.
Skagit County's drive-thru COVID-19 testing site remained closed Monday because of poor air quality.
Though local COVID-19 infection rates are declining, health officials warn that the region is not out of the woods yet.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced couples and bridal businesses to rethink weddings.
BURLINGTON — The COVID-19 pandemic has brought plenty of changes — and more than enough challenges — to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, but the organization is continuing to place cats, dogs and other small animals to those who want a furry friend.
Skagit County Public Health temporarily shut down its drive-thru COVID-19 testing site Thursday due to an unhealthy amount of smoke in the air.
Skagit County is changing hours at its drive-thru COVID-19 testing site, improving access for people who work during regular business hours.
Fewer new cases of COVID-19 were reported in August than in the month prior, but Skagit County is still far from meeting state goals.
State and local officials said on Wednesday their recommendations for who should get tested for COVID-19 have not changed in light of new federal guidance on testing announced earlier this week.
Nursing homes were hit earliest and hardest by COVID-19, as the coronavirus swept through facilities and killed many.
MOUNT VERNON — A new courtroom is allowing Skagit County Superior Court to hold jury trials for the first time since March.
A Skagit County health advisory group is preparing for life after COVID-19, and how systems can be rebuilt so they are focused on recovery and equity.
Bowling alleys may reopen to league bowlers only and participants are required to wear face coverings and not share equipment, Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Thursday.
Skagit County’s COVID-19 drive-thru testing site will be restricted beginning Aug. 31 to those who live or work in the county.
About halfway through August, new COVID-19 cases are roughly on par with July — Skagit County's worst month of the pandemic.
While most students in Skagit County prepare to start the school year with online-only instruction, some will be heading back into classrooms.
Members of Skagit County’s congressional delegation agree that more COVID-19 relief funding is needed.
Two more Skagit County school boards approved Monday plans to begin the school year mostly online.
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners gave approval Monday for $809,000 in grants to help local businesses and nonprofits survive as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Bowling alleys may be forced to close permanently if the state doesn’t adjust COVID-19 restrictions to allow them to reopen, say those involved in the industry.
Hiking trails are the latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Skagit County resident has contracted a rare condition connected with COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health.
Families may be able to see their loved ones at long-term care facilities as soon as next week, according to a new plan from Gov. Jay Inslee.
Gov. Jay Inslee during a news conference Wednesday encouraged that school districts plan for online-only education this fall.
BURLINGTON — The Burlington-Edison School Board on Monday night approved a home-based learning plan that will have most of the school district’s students learning online in the fall.
Gov. Jay Inslee released guidance Monday on new restrictions being placed on gyms and fitness centers.
As they await more statewide COVID-19 restrictions, the owners of gyms and fitness centers in Skagit County are taking things day by day.
New limits on restaurants and bars that began Thursday include a 10 p.m. cut-off for alcoholic drinks and no dining inside with nonhousehold members.
The state’s top public health doctor shared Wednesday a little good news in the fight against COVID-19.
There have been 18 new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County over the past two days, according to data from county Public Health.
Tighter COVID-19 restrictions on gyms and health clubs, set to take effect Thursday, have been delayed.
MOUNT VERNON — Though several days remain in July, the month has already accounted for the largest number of COVID-19 cases and second largest tally of related hospitalizations in Skagit County.
MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon School District announced Monday that when school resumes in the fall most instruction will take place online.
After thousands suddenly lost their jobs in early spring, employment in Skagit County is increasing, but experts caution the situation is precarious as rising numbers of COVID-19 cases could bring new restrictions and shutdowns, and school closures and a child care shortage complicate return…
A handful of Skagit County farms are offering U-pick berries this season with COVID-19 modifications in place, while others are not opening their fields to the public but are providing other ways to buy berries.
Mount Vernon’s sales tax revenue continues to beat staff’s dire predictions for the COVID-19 pandemic.
New restrictions will begin taking effect next week, aimed at reducing contact between people as COVID-19 cases in Washington continue to climb.
Five new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday in Skagit County, according to data from county Public Health.
The deadline is approaching for small businesses in Skagit County to apply for a COVID-19 relief program aimed at protecting jobs and supporting struggling companies.
Skagit County had 50 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, continuing the increase in the virus’ spread.
LA CONNER — Nine businesses in La Conner — including two restaurants, an art gallery, and multiple retail shops — have permanently closed or are closing, all but one citing COVID-19 as the reason for their closures.
Latino business leaders in Skagit County shared how they are implementing COVID-19 safety protocols as they work to keep employees and customers safe.
In response to rising cases of COVID-19 in Skagit County, Burlington will once again close several of its parks facilities, Mayor Steve Sexton announced in a July 16 letter.
After a relatively quiet June and having no COVID-19 deaths since May 18, Skagit County has reported two deaths in about a week’s time.
About 1,800 Skagit County businesses and nonprofits received federal loans to help them cover expenses and pay employees during the pandemic, with a majority of funds reaching smaller to medium-size businesses, according to data released by the Small Business Administration this month.
Skagit
ANACORTES — The city of Anacortes will not host its “Open Streets” event downtown this weekend due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Skagit County.
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb, local and state officials are urging people to refocus on efforts to battle the spread of COVID-19.
Skagit Public Health leadership is skeptical that Skagit County will be ready to fully reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
A Mount Vernon nursing home is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 among residents and employees, Skagit County confirmed in a press release Monday.