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The North Region, which includes Skagit County, remains in Phase of the state’s Roadmap to Recovery from COVID-19, as is every other region and county.

For this region, the two key metrics increased dramatically: trending up 89% in the 14-day rate of new COVID-19 cases with 350.7 per 100,000 population. Skagit County recorded 305 cases per 100,000 residents, a 9% increase in its case rate. Whatcom County reported 494, Island County reported 184 and San Juan County’s rate was 76 per 100,000 residents.

A 10% regional, aggregate reduction will be below 315 cases per 100,000 population. Infections have surged in Whatcom County in January.

The trend in hospital admission rate was up 50% to 24% per 100,000 population. The goal is a decrease of 10% or more. In Skagit County, 19 people have been hospitalized since Jan. 10, with 31 hospitalizations in January. A two week 10% decrease in Skagit County will be no more than 17 new hospitalizations.

The less critical trends are decreasing in the region. The 7-day average for ICU (Intensive Care Unit) occupancy was 60%. The goal is below 90% ICU occupancy. Likewise the region’s positive lab test results of 8% beats the goal of 10%. Skagit County reported a 10% rate of positive lab results. Large numbers of people testing daily is a key factor in reducing lab test positivity rates.

The state Department of Health reassess the metrics for all eight regions weekly, announcing changes to Phase status Fridays.

All four metrics must be met at the end of a week to go to Phase 2:

To remain in Phase 2, regions must meet trend downward in three of the four metrics. Regions in Phase 2 that fail to meet two or of the metrics will be moved back to Phase 1.

There were 4 deaths in Skagit County Jan. 11-24. A new case was recorded in the 98257 zip code Jan. 18, bringing the total cases in this area to 64.

By the end of January there will be over 300,000 case in Washington state based on state DOH data.

County testing and vaccinations

The County’s drive through testing site schedule has changed to 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Appointments are not required, but Skagit Public Health encourages the use of its pre-registration system to streamline the testing process.

Register for testing and information: skagitcounty.net/coronavirus.

Vaccines are available to people 65 and over and in eligible groups only by appointment. Eligibility: www.findyourphasewa.org. Appointments: prepmod.doh.wa.gov/.