Skagit Regional Health Staff Officially Treating Patients Who Tested Positive for Covid-19

Skagit County, WA– As of today, Friday, March 13th, 2020,  Skagit Regional Health staff and providers are officially caring for patients who have tested positive for Covid-19.  According to a release on their website, they are treating these patients with appropriate precautions for their staff, and their  staff regularly cares for patients with respiratory conditions and those who require isolation. The staff are well trained, practiced and properly equipped to care for patients with Covid-19.

This week, Skagit Regional Health has opened two Acute Care Respiratory clinics to provide testing for patients experiencing cough, fever and/or respiratory symptoms.  Patients can receive care for COVID-19 and flu symptoms at the Acute Respiratory Clinic-Mount Vernon, located at 120 South 13th, Street and at the Acute Respiratory Clinic Arlington location, located at 328 South Stillaguamish Avenue. Patients experiencing Respiratory Illness symptoms  are asked to please use the FREE online Virtual MyEClinic from the comfort of their own home and speak to a board-certified provider 24/7 prior to going to the Acute Respiratory Clinics.  Be sure to enter Coupon code COVID-19 to waive the normal $40.00 fee.  Note, this service is available to everyone, even if you are not a Skagit Regional Clinics Patient. The Board Certified providers are trained to evaluate symptoms and make recommendations based on CDC criteria. Recommendations may include sending patients to a testing or treatment facility, if necessary.

It is important for the community to know that COVID-19 testing is for patients exhibiting symptoms. Skagit Regional Health is not testing asymptomatic patients at this time. They are only testing patients who are exhibiting symptoms, as per the CDC guidelines.

Patients with COVID-19 or flu symptoms should not visit an urgent care location and Please DO NOT go to the emergency room unless it is essential. 

As of today, March 13th, 2020, Skagit County Public Health has confirmed 3 Positive patients with COVID-19. A male in his 20’s, a female in her 30’s and a female in her 40’s.

If you have further questions about what is happening in Washington State, or how the virus is spread, please call the Department of Health Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Phone lines are staffed from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange has opened a limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals who do not have health insurance. 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.

On March 13th, 2020,  Governor Inslee expanded to the entire state of Washington  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 Department of Health

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Skagit County Public Health is asking that the public do their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visit the Skagit County Health Department Website for valuable information and links by clicking here.