Red alert: Skagit County’s 137 new COVID-19 cases since Nov. 1 thrust the County into Washington state’s high risk category of more than 75 cases per 100,000 population.

The numbers are stark: 39 people tested positive Monday; There have been at least 12 daily cases seven times this month. There have been 100 new positive tests in five days, Nov. 5-9 and 200 cases since Oct. 25, These are raw numbers, not per 100,000 residents.

For the 14 day period Oct. 26-Nov. 8 Skagit County Public Health recorded 163 cases, above the 158 cases in October and the 91 September cases recorded.

Data not in the state system last week calculated 102.2 cases per 100,000 residents over the previous 14 days in Skagit County. The Washington Department of Health calculated 68.3 cases per 100,000 population over a two week period through Nov. 8 in Skagit County. Their data lags Skagit County Public Health’s. The high risk category starts at 75 cases per 100,000 population.

County Public Health staff trace several cases to two Halloween parties with contact tracing continuing.

“In two days, we’re seeing more than we’d seen in two weeks before. This is not just some minor blip,” County Health Officer Howard Leibrand told the press.

“Think of a semi (truck) coming down the pass and the brakes fail,” Leibrand continued. “As soon as it gets out of hand, you don’t get it back.”

Six people have been hospitalized since Oct. 30, bringing to 106 the number of people with hospital stays since February. Three people died between Oct. 28-Nov. 2, raising the total to 26 deaths this year.

The 877 people tested at the County’s Skagit Valley College test site last week was the highest three day total since testing was restricted in to county residents in September. The daily double digit positive cases ranged from 10 to 29. Results lag the test date.

Tuesday the state’s Department of Health news bulletin was titled “Increase in COVID-19 activity statewide extremely concerning as holiday season nears; Health officials call for renewed efforts now.”

State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy stated: “I am extremely concerned about what seems to be an accelerating trend in the spread of COVID-19.

Immediate action is needed from all of us to avoid new restrictions and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. This situation is extraordinarily urgent, and we’re running out of time to change direction. We need everyone in Washington state to take action now to stop the spread of COVID-19.”