Communicable Disease
Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID19) | EspañolCommunity transmission of COVID-19 is occurring in Skagit County. Now is the time to follow Health Officer Recommendations and protect our community. SKAGIT COUNTY SERVICES IMPACTED BY THE CORONA VIRUS
Without insurance? The Washington Health Benefit Exchange has opened a limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals. This special enrollment period runs through April 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. Skagit Regional Health is providing free telehealth for anyone in Washington State seeking COVID-19 screening. Learn more at www.skagitregionalhealth.org/myeclinic General educational materials, in PDF form and multiple languages, are available here from the Washington State Department of Health. SOCIAL DISTANCING | COVID -19 CASES | IF YOU ARE SICK/TESTING | SKAGIT COUNTY SENIOR PROGRAMMING | WHAT IS PUBLIC HEALTH DOING? | HOW TO PREPARE AND RESPOND | INSURANCE | FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS (Updated 3/17) | SCHOOLS | FOR BUSINESSES | FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS & SENIORS | FOR TRAVELERS | CARE FACILITIES | CHILDCARE | SCAM ALERTS
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Social distancing measures are the only tool we have to combat COVID-19 and protect our loved ones. If the community does not take these measures seriously, our health care system will be overwhelmed and not able to care for those who need it.
Additionally, by order of Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Skagit County residents, businesses and organizations must observe the following social distancing requirements:
COVID-19 CASES IN SKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS
|
| Positive* | Hospitalized | Deaths | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skagit County Residents | 14 | 2 | 0 |
Due to an increase in cases and a need to prioritize contract tracing, Public Health will no longer be providing more detailed information on cases.
*Total confirmed and presumptive positive cases, including deaths. A presumptive positive means that a private lab has reported a positive COVID-19 test result, which we expect to be confirmed by the Washington State Department of Health.
Note: This data is changing rapidly as labs conduct tests and discover new cases.
IF YOU ARE SICK & TESTING INFORMATION
Healthcare providers with limited testing capacity need to prioritize testing for people with highest risk. Be advised that COVID-19 testing is for patients exhibiting symptoms only. Our hospital and clinical partners are not testing patients without symptoms at this time. Testing is occurring according to CDC and State guidelines. Many people will have mild to moderate symptoms of novel coronavirus and will not have laboratory confirmation of illness.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever of 100.4 degrees or higher and cough.
People with symptoms of novel coronavirus need to isolate themselves at home for at least 7 days or 72 hours (3 days) after fever and other symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. The end of symptoms must be marked from the time after you have stopped fever reducing medication. Having a positive test result does not change that advice. It is essential that all people with symptoms of novel coronavirus follow these isolation recommendations.
Do not go to the hospital or ER for testing unless your symptoms require emergency medical care.
We need to assure that our medical system is available to care for people with serious illness, including symptoms such as shortness of breath. People experiencing shortness of breath or other serious symptoms need to seek medical consultation. Call your provider, urgent care, or emergency department first before going in.
- 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.
- If you are uninsured or undocumented and concerned about your symptoms, you may call Community Health Plan of Washington’s 24/7 Nurse Helpline at 1-866-418-2920.
- Skagit Regional Health is providing free telehealth for anyone in Washington State seeking COVID-19 screening. Learn more at www.skagitregionalhealth.org/myeclinic
SKAGIT COUNTY SENIOR PROGRAMMING
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?
Since the first case of 2019 novel coronavirus was confirmed in the United States, Skagit County Public Health staff have been monitoring this outbreak and taking steps to prepare and protect our community.
Our first actions were focused on screening and monitoring travelers or others with high-risk exposures to try to contain the outbreak. We regularly communicate with our hospitals and clinics on screening and preparedness, and have staff available 24/7 on call to answer questions from health care providers. As the situation evolves, we are increasing our focus on community preparedness and response.
In the coming weeks, we will continue to work closely with hospitals, health care clinics, EMS, neighboring health departments, and our county emergency management. We will also work with schools, childcare facilities, senior centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities to plan best practices to slow and mitigate serious impacts from the outbreak.
HOW TO PREPARE AND RESPOND
On March 13th, Governor Inslee expanded to the entire state the prohibition of social, spiritual and recreational gatherings of more than 250 people. 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:
- Washington State DOH
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Governor’s COVID-19 webpage
- Statewide COVID-19 website
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.
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 April 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.
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner has additional important insurance information Insurance providers, including Medicare, are updating reimbursement policies to allow for telehealth.
SCHOOLS
On March 13th, Governor Inslee announced a state-wide school closure beginning no later than Tuesday, March 17th and lasting through April 24th. 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 released additional guidance for schools.
FOR BUSINESSES
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.
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.
General Information
- Washington State Department of Health Workplace and Employer Recommendations
- CCD Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- King County – Planning For Coronavirus
Financial and Benefits Resources
- 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
Facilities Resources
Public Health - Seattle & King County has 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 for Pet-Related Business
- Information for Janitorial Staff
FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS & SENIORS
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.
- 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.
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.
CARE FACILITIES
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 April 9, 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
Information about child care options for essential workers continues to evolve.
For those who are in need of child care, please call the Child Care Aware Family Center at 1-800-446-1114 or go to their website.
If you are a health care provider or first responder, you can also check with your School District to see if they are offering District-specific resources. Some have information posted already; others are still working on this. Your employer may also have information about other options.
- 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
At this time, child cares have not been advised or required to close. We’ve been asked why child cares remain open if schools are required to close. Skagit County Public Health is strongly encouraging 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.
As for why child cares are open, class sizes in child cares tend to be relatively small and child care facilities are generally smaller than schools. Child cares also play a crucial role in ensuring that those who cannot work remotely still have a safe place for their children. Many people who are critical to this pandemic response – including first responders, dispatchers, and health care workers – are not able to work remotely.
However, child care providers must be able to meet health and safety requirements. A few highlights of those requirements are: 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.
Child care providers also may make individual decisions to close due to staffing or health issues, or they may need to close if a staff member or child becomes ill with COVID-19. We are encouraging child care providers to talk to families about the possibility of long-term closures and to make plans for their business. They also should look at closing temporarily if they cannot staff their child care without employees who are part of a high-risk group, which includes people who are 60 or older, people who have underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
Again, parents who can keep their children home are strongly urged to do so. With schools and businesses closed, it is crucial that child care is prioritized for those who cannot work from home or stay home from work for an extended period of time. If a portion of families can keep their children at home, it also reduces the group size in child care settings, which minimizes the potential for exposure. Minimizing the risk of exposure in child care plays an essential role in keeping our first responders and health care providers healthy, as well.
Social distancing (maintaining at least 6 feet of space aside from momentary or minimal contact) is not realistic in large groups of young children. Smaller groups reduce the risk of spreading illness and make it more manageable for child care providers to keep up with health needs like monitoring for symptoms, encouraging children not to touch their own or each others’ hands and faces, and frequent cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces and objects.
[Language adapted from Snohomish Health District]
Updated guidance for social distancing among child cares, including the ones schools are standing up right now to help first responders and healthcare workers is available here, or in PDF form, here.
SCAM ALERTS
Sadly, scammers seize the opportunity to take advantage of people in times like this. Please be cautious about potential scams.