Dramatic drop in new Skagit COVID-19 cases

New cases of coronavirus infections in Skagit County have dropped dramatically, 71% since July, when 1,078 people tested positive. The 315 positive tests in October are a 35.3% drop from the 487 new cases in September. In August 578 people had tested positive, itself a 55% reduction from July.

Likewise, the seven day case rate has plummeted, from 95 cases per 100,000 people the last week of September to 45 new cases per 100,000 people the last week of October.

Case rates have declined greatly throughout the region. San Juan and Island counties continue to have fewer cases, San Juan recording 34.6 cases per 100,000 people the last week of October and Island County reporting 38.6 people per 100,000 the same period. Skagit County’s case rate for that time was 45.2 cases per 100,000 people, below Whatcom County’s 46.5 cases per 100,000 people. Snohomish county recorded 57.1 cases per 100,000 people the last week of October.

While 19 people were hospitalized the first half of October in the county, half as many, 10, were admitted the last half of the month.

The 29 hospitalizations exceeded September’s 25 by four, a 16% increase. Only 5% of county hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients Nov. 1.

Deaths are way down in the county. There were two the second week of October after four deaths in September.

The Skagit County Public Health Department has reduced the hours its Cascade Mall drive-thru testing site is open to 9 a.m.-1 p.m Mondays and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays for COVID-19 rapid antigen testing and Flu A and B testing.

COVID-19 prime, pediatric and booster vaccinations are available at the downtown Mount Vernon Skagit Public Health office, 700 South Second Street. The clinic is open Wednesdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Make appointments at prepmod.doh.wa.gov/ by searching for “Skagit County Public Health” under Name of Location.

Walking-in is an option.

Since the state has ended its COVID-19 emergency proclamations and state of emergency the Washington State Department of Health is ending its weekly COVID-19 Bulletin Nov. 10.