Communicable Disease

Page Updated 6-5-20 3:13pm

COVID-19 INFORMATION | CURRENT STATUS: PHASE 2

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Skagit County Moves to Phase 2 of Safe Start plan
Businesses must be able to comply with issued guidelines. (Posted 6/5/2020)

COVID -19 CASES: SKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS * HISTORIC CASE COUNTS AND DEMOGRAHICS * DRIVE-THRU TESTING | RESULTS COVID -19 NEWS AND UPDATES * SAFE START PLANS AND GUIDANCE FOR REOPENING * RETURNING TO WORK SAFELY: BEST PRACTICES WHO TO CALL PHYSICAL DISTANCING DURING PHASE 2 * MASKS IF YOU ARE SICK/TESTING INFORMATION COUNTY SERVICES IMPACTED COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH BLOG SKAGIT COUNTY SENIOR PROGRAMMING WHAT IS PUBLIC HEALTH DOING? FAQ's, RUMORS AND MYTHS: ANSWERED HOW TO PREPARE AND RESPOND INSURANCE FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS SCHOOLS FOR BUSINESSES/EMPLOYEES * FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS & SENIORS FOR TRAVELERS CARE FACILITIES CHILDCARE AND RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES SCAM ALERTS ANIMAL NEEDS LEGAL AID HOUSING * Information updated 6/5/20

Historical Data, Demographics and Trends New video series addresses questions about Covid-19

COVID-19 CASES IN SKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS

Case counts are updated daily by 4:30pm

Skagit County Public Health has reviewed information from confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), community calls to Public Health, and the science on this pandemic.  From our review we would like Skagit County residents to be aware that community transmission of novel coronavirus is occurring in Skagit County.

Please be advised that 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:  Date 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.

*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.

NEW! Historic Case Counts and Demographics Dashboard

MAP: Confirmed COVID-19 cases by zip code in Skagit County. This map represents zip codes where individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 live. It does not represent where an individual acquired COVID-19. These are case counts, and are not adjusted for the population in that zip code. It is expected that areas with higher populations will have higher numbers of cases. (Map data updated every Monday by 4:30pm) See also: Washington State Data by County

MAP: Confirmed COVID-19 cases by zip code in Skagit County. This map represents zip codes where individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 live. It does not represent where an individual acquired COVID-19. These are case counts, and are not adjusted for the population in that zip code. It is expected that areas with higher populations will have higher numbers of cases. (Map data updated every Monday by 4:30pm) See also: Washington State Data by County

COVID-19 Choir Cluster Investigation

Skagit County Public Health has completed an investigation of the cluster of COVID-19 cases associated with a local choir event this March.

• Summary report
• Full report from the CDC

WHO TO CALL

PUBLIC HEALTH: If you have questions for Skagit County Public Health, you can call 1-360-416-1500 between 8:30am and 4:30pm 7 days a week.

RESOURCES/ASSISTANCE/FOOD: 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 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 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.

To report an open nonessential business: First, determine if the business is considered nonessential. Visit the Governor’s What’s Open and Closed page to see a list of business types. A supplemental memorandum provides more information about general construction. If you believe a nonessential business is in operation, you can fill out an online form or call 360-416-1892, 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. Click here to see a PDF list of local food banks and contact information.

Community Action is providing daily updates of services changes for members of the community needing assistance. | En Español

How do I sign up for WIC? WIC is for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding moms, infants, and children under five. Washington WIC has recently added many nutritious food options to help ensure WIC participants can find foods when shopping. You can sign up for WIC services without actually visiting a WIC clinic. To find WIC services in your area:

• Call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588
• Text "WIC" to 96859

DONATIONS: Skagit Community Foundation at www.skagitcf.org has started a fund in conjunction with EDASC and United Way to accept donations that they will grant to nonprofits helping those in need due to this crisis. Local animal organizations are accepting donations of animal supplies as well.

DOH Hotline: : If you have questions about what is happening in Washington or how the virus is spread, 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. seven days a week.

Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Resources: ORIA COVID-19 Translated Resource Directory [Organized by language]

PSE bill assistance

INSURANCE:  Without insurance? The Washington Health Benefit Exchange has opened a limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals. This special enrollment period runs through May 8, 2020. Call 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 1-855-627-9604, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, or a local certified broker or navigator.

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.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING DURING PHASE 2

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

Until a vaccine and/or treatment is developed, physical distancing and good hygiene are the only tools we have to prevent transmission of COVID-19. As we move into Phase 2 of 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 mask 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.
If you are high risk for poor health outcomes from COVID-19, you should continue to stay home as much as possible. High risk individuals include:

• People 60 and older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant

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 included 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.

For the full list of industry specific safety guidance’s, please visit: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start

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

• Summer events:

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

	NEWS UPDATES Covid-19 News and updates from Skagit County Sign up for Press Releases from Skagit County  News updates from Washington State
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MASKS

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

In line with new Centers for Disease Control guidelines, Skagit County Public Health is now recommending that all people wear fabric masks in public. Skagit County Public Health Officer Dr. Leibrand is recommending that face masks/coverings be worn in public and for any group gathering, including workplaces, to maximize the opportunity to prevent the spread of infection.   Dr. Leibrand recommends that all protective measures should be used for any group gathering, and that wearing a mask is considered an additional layer of protection.  This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from others and frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.  Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent the spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures. 

For the full guidance document from DOH, click here.

IF YOU ARE SICK & TESTING INFORMATION

(Updated 5/8/20 4:00pm)

On April 27, Skagit County opened it’s drive-through testing site to the public. Visit the Drive-Through website page for more information on how to get tested.

If you have  severe symptoms of novel coronavirus, 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.

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• 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 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat, Sun 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 120 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon  

Acute Respiratory Clinics: Beginning Monday, April 20, 2020, pre-operative COVID-19 testing will occur on a walk-in basis at the Acute Respiratory Clinics (Mount Vernon or Arlington) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Any testing needed on weekends will take place at the Mount Vernon Acute Respiratory Clinic or at the Smokey Point Urgent Care from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Upon arrival at the collection sites’ parking lot, patients must call:

• Mount Vernon ARC Reception Line (Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.): 360-814-7810
• Arlington ARC Reception Line (Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.): 360-814-7600
• Smokey Point Urgent Care Reception Line: 360-428-6434 (weekends only)

Island Hospital is offering a respiratory clinic at one location. 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

SKAGIT COUNTY SENIOR PROGRAMMING

(Updated 4/9/20 4:00pm)

AARP Series: Starting today and for the next four Thursdays, "Teach with TVW Connects" is partnering with AARP-Washington and the governor's COVID-19 Joint Information Center to connect seniors across Washington with state leaders, for up-to-date answers to their coronavirus questions. This week, Gov. Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman will answer seniors' questions -- future programs will include other government leaders and AARP subject-matter experts. Find additional details online here.

The Washington Insurance Commissioner has posted important information on Medicare coverage and COVID-19.

Skagit County takes the Health Officer’s recommendations seriously and is adapting its senior services programming as follows based on the most recent guidance.

Meals on Wheels

There are currently no changes to the Meals on Wheels Program.  Skagit County Public Health will continue daily hot meal delivery, Monday through Friday, and frozen weekend meals for Meals on Wheels clients as long as staffing and volunteer capacity allows. 

Congregate Lunch Program

The congregate lunch program will be closed until further notice.  Frozen meals are available for pick up.  Please call your local senior center for details.

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

Senior Center Programs and Activities

All Senior Center programs and activities are discontinued until further notice.  This includes after hour use of the Mount Vernon Senior Center. All groups and activities will be cancelled.

Public Health understands that these changes have significant impacts on community members. They are designed to protect the health of those at serious risk from complications due to COVID-19. Public Health is committed to ensuring seniors are able to access nutritious food during this very difficult time.

WHAT IS PUBLIC HEALTH DOING?

HOW TO PREPARE AND RESPOND

(Updated 4/23/20 4:00pm)

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

Volunteer Guidance

Practicing social distancing is the best way to reduce the risk of catching or spreading illness. Washington State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released guidance for individuals and organizations on COVID-19 preparedness and response. These trusted sources of information are the best way to stay informed on the novel coronavirus:

• Statewide COVID-19 website – resources for families, workers, businesses, and much more!
• Washington State DOH
• Federal Coronavirus webpage
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Governor’s COVID-19 webpage

Be careful with cleaning products: The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) urges people to be cautious with cleaning products during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to WAPC, the number of exposures to household cleaning products (bleach, soaps, detergents, and antiseptics) increased by 23% over the same time last year.

DOH has specific guidance for different sectors, such as employers, event planners, faith-based organizations and many others. It is especially important that employers, schools, parents, childcare providers, healthcare providers, travelers and people in high-risk groups stay informed on the latest guidance and resources from DOH and CDC.

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

• Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine has a brief video on YouTube to explain some of the changes that benefit Washingtonians.
• The state’s coronavirus website has information to help sort through other benefits that may be available to you, such as paid family leave, workers compensation, and resources for small businesses.
• Financial assistance for everyone
• Frequently Asked Questions about the new federal stimulus package known as the CARES Act.

INSURANCE

(Updated 4/10/20 4:00pm)

Without insurance? The Washington Health Benefit Exchange has opened a limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals. This special enrollment period runs through May 8, 2020. Call 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 1-855-627-9604, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, or a local certified broker or navigator.

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.
Click HERE for Washington State’s COVID-19 Resource Page

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. 

SCHOOLS

(Updated 5/8/20 4:00 pm)

On April 6, Governor Inslee announced a statewide school closure through the end of the 2019-2020 academic school year. This applies to all schools - K-12 plus 2-year, 4-year, community and technical schools. Social distancing measures, such as school closures, are the best tool we have to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Skagit County.

Closing schools now will help significantly reduce the negative impacts of COVID-19 on our residents’ health. Although children are not likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, they can spread it to others who are at high risk, like teachers, grandparents, and coaches. Additionally, as the number of COVID-19 cases in our community increases, it will be very difficult for schools to ensure adequate staffing levels.

Because our elders are at high risk of severe disease from COVID-19, please be respectful of people over age 60 trying to isolate themselves at home, even if they are begging to provide childcare. For the health and safety of the loving grandparents, consider whether it’s possible for your family to find an alternate source of backup childcare. Reach out to teenagers you trust, who are also out of school, and see if they are interested in helping out.

It is important that students and families continue to monitor communications from their local school districts.

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has published new guidance on student learning and grading throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 school facility closure. The gist of it: Do no harm, provide letter grades (though there is flexibility in what those are), and no one gets an F. OSPI's guidance and resources on COVID-19 and schools are available at k12.wa.us/COVID-19.

FOR BUSINESSES/EMPLOYEES

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

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 now 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.

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

General Information

• Washington State Department of Health Workplace and Employer Recommendations
• WA Dept of Health Guidelines for Screening Employees and Visitors
• CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• King County – Planning For Coronavirus
• https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/GuidanceEssentialBusinessesProtectEmp.pdf
• WA.gov business and worker info:

Financial and Benefits Resources

• EDASC COVID-19 Resources for Businesses, Employees; COVID-19 Resource Guide
• U.S. Small Business Administration Loan Information
• Employment Security Department COVID-19 webpage
• Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
• Governor’s Office – Resources for Businesses
• Setting up a safe and healthy workspace for teleworking
• Governor’s Office – Support for Small Businesses

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

• Frequently Asked Questions about the new federal stimulus package known as the CARES Act.
• Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine has a video update for Washington state on the federal stimulus bill -Watch the video on YouTube
• Resources for filing for unemployment benefits that provide temporary income when you lose your job through no fault of your own.

• Stay up to date. If you haven’t already, please sign up for ESD’s COVID-19 action alerts. You can do so on the agency’s COVID page (esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19).
• Check your eligibility. Learn more about your eligibility and when to apply for benefits using the new eligibility checker. We are encouraging those eligible for regular unemployment to apply now, and newly eligible to wait until after April 18.
• Get ready to apply. Download the application checklist.
• Set up your account. Watch the tutorial video to set up your account correctly. It is nine minutes long but will likely save a lot of time.
• Questions? Call 833-572-8400

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: 

A simplified website design for easier navigation to the pages people need most right now. 
A new guide to help self-employed, independent contractors and others affected by COVID-19 apply for regular unemployment benefits, expanded benefits (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) and submit weekly claims. 
A new checklist to get ready to apply for expanded unemployment benefits (pdf) (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance). 

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 $383, 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.

• How to Disinfect
• Information for Solid Waste Providers
• Information on handling biological waste
• CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations 

FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS & SENIORS

(Updated 4/9/20 4:00 pm)

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.

Persons who are older or who have underlying health conditions are at higher risk to develop complications from this virus. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Gov. Inslee and Health Secretary John Wiesman kick-off new Q&A series for older Washingtonians. Older Washingtonians are particularly vulnerable to the risks of COVID-19. The state Joint Information Center teamed up with AARP and TVW to create a Q&A mini-series for seniors to answer questions about how to stay healthy and maintain connection with loved ones. New episodes will air Thursdays at 6. Watch now: https://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2020041029

FOR TRAVELERS

Countries worldwide are reporting increasing numbers of cases. Those who have traveled to affected areas or have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 are at higher risk of becoming ill.

There are travel alerts for multiple countries. The list of countries with coronavirus-related alerts may grow and change quickly, and people are encouraged to check CDC travel alerts. Returning travelers from affected countries are advised to self-monitor for 14 days and, if they develop symptoms like a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, to self-isolate and seek medical guidance by calling their health care provider.

For those traveling locally and using public transit, SKAT has been changing their routes as needs change.  Please contact SKAT at https://www.skagittransit.org/ to check routes before you leave. Buses are fare-free for May for essential trips. For rider safety and the safety of others, Skagit Transit recommends that face coverings be worn when riding the bus.

CARE FACILITIES

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

Long-term care facilities are doing critical work to protect our loved ones and keep staff safe. As part of our healthcare system, these long-term care facilities are likely to see cases of COVID-19. Our entire healthcare system is impacted by COVID-19, and like hospitals and clinics, long-term care facilities are closely following WA Department of Health infection control measures. Long-term care facilities are also a state priority for receiving personal protective equipment. Skagit County Public Health and Department of Emergency Management continue to work closely with these facilities to assist with limiting the impacts of COVID-19.

This is an especially difficult time for those living in long-term care facilities and for those with loved ones housed in these facilities. Individual facilities may implement different protocols, but some statewide measures have already been put in place to protect vulnerable seniors who are more at risk for severe complications from COVID-19.

Governor Inslee issued new rules to protect residents of nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. The governor’s rules require that:

• Visitors, including friends or family, are not permitted. This prohibition does not apply to end of life situations or to visits by attorneys, administrative law judges, advocates or similar persons who represent a resident.  
• Employees or volunteers must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the start of each shift.
• People who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and who test positive for COVID-19 must be isolated from other people.
• Owners, operators, staff and volunteers are prohibited from disclosing protected and confidential health information, except as otherwise provided by law or with the resident’s consent.

These rules remain in effect until May 31, 2020. Your loved one’s facility may have implemented stricter protocols based on guidance from the Washington State Department of Health. You can learn more about that 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.

• Anacortes School District
• Burlington-Edison School District.
• Concrete School District
• Conway School District
• La Conner School District
• Mount Vernon School District
• Sedro-Woolley School District:

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

• Department of Children, Youth & Families COVID-19 Early Learning & Child Care page
• Department of Health guidance for child care
• Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction guidance for child care
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention:  Schools and Child Care Programs
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open
• Snohomish Health District child care page
• Public Health – Seattle & King County child care page
• Daily checklist for all child care facilities
• Caring for Children in Group Settings During COVID-19 webinar recording
• Child Care COVID-19 Grants

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

• Family Fun ideas
• Skagit Kid Insider
• Skagit Bright Beginnings local resource page
• ParentHelp123
• Help Me Grow Washington resource line: 1-800-322-2558
• Parent Trust for Washington Family Help line: 1-800-932-4673
• Vroom

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.

• Medicare coronavirus scam
• stimulus payment scams
• COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips | FCC

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.

ANIMAL NEEDS

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

-It is recommended that animals and their owners co-house as often as possible. It is also recommended to plan for animals in your care in case you or your entire house are unable to care for your pets. 

-If a person in the home becomes ill, it is recommended that the ill individual limit their contact with the animal and have another family member care for the animal/s if available.

- Animals may be walked outside on a leash, but should not have contact with other animals or people as long as ill owner is on isolation. It is recommended that animal be bathed after isolation to remove any virus possible on the fur.

-If an owner is ill, hospitalized, or deceased and there is no known family to care for the animal, Animal Control, or Law Enforcement may be contacted for removal or care of the animal as deemed appropriate and safe.

SMALL ANIMAL

Humane Society of Skagit Valley

• Donations of dog, cat, small animal feed can be left near the front door of the new building. If donors want a receipt they ask they leave a note with the donation and they will mail a receipt.
• Please ensure any donated food is for domestic household pets, and is not past its expiration date.
• Individuals who need dog, cat, or small animal feed should call the shelter at 360-757-0445 during business hours to arrange pick up or delivery of feed. Call 360-757-2568 if at the shelter and needing immediate assistance.

Red Rover Grant available for private boarding of pets.

LIVESTOCK

Skagit Animals in Need (SAIN)
To donate livestock food OR request food for your livestock, please call or email SAIN to request an application form
                Email: skagitanimalsinneed@gmail.com
                Phone: 360-708-9506

Please contact the Hay Burner Project by email at thehayburnerproject@gmail.com. This is  a local equine food bank that is accepting donations and offering food to equine owners in need.

LEGAL AID

(Updated 4/13/20 4:00pm)

The pandemic has created many new civil legal needs in Washington.  Legal aid programs are ready to help low-income people and displaced workers affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
General information and assistance:

• Northwest Justice Project’s Know Your Rights Guide to COVID-19 on www.WashingtonLawHelp.org
• CLEAR statewide hotline 1-888-201-1014 /over 60 can also call 1-888-387-7111
• WA State Bar Association: https://www.wsba.org/for-the-public/find-legal-help/covid-19-legal-resources

Unemployment benefits, paid family and medical leave:

• Unemployment Law Project www.unemploymentlawproject.org/covid-19/
• Call 206-441-9178 or 1-888-441-9178

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.