September 15, 2020
Skagit County testing site to reopen on Thursday, September 17 with limited hours.
Skagit County Unified Command will reopen the COVID-19 drive through testing site on Thursday, September 17 from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. This opening comes after four days of closures due to air quality concerns. The testing site will also be open on Friday, September 18 from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m., with hours possibly returning to normal if air quality improves.
Air quality in the region has been ‘very unhealthy’ for all groups for the last several days. Unified Command stopped operation at the test site to protect the health and safety of test site volunteers and staff. Air quality remains at ‘unhealthy’ in Mount Vernon, and is forecasted to remain that way until at least Friday afternoon. Additional smoke forecast information is available at: https://enviwa.ecology.wa.gov/home/text/421#Forecast
“Though air quality hasn’t improved significantly, we need to reopen the testing site,” said Public Health Director Jennifer Johnson. “We’re still in the time frame where we’re likely experiencing spread related to Labor Day weekend, and it’s vital that we’re able to identify those cases to stop a potential major outbreak or uptick.”
Staff and volunteers at the testing site will be wearing KN95 masks, which will protect them from both smoke and transmitting COVID-19. Skagit County has a limited supply of these masks.
The drive through testing site still does not require any appointments. If you have insurance and ID, please bring them with you. If you have questions visit www.skagitcounty.net/coronavirus or call Public Health at 360-416-1500.
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