County likely to return to Phase 2

Skagit County will likely be moved back to Phase 2 of the State’s Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan for Washington’s public and economic health by Gov. Jay Inslee May 3. The county is failing both critical metrics, with at least 209 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people the last two weeks, based on state Department of Health data. It has 22 new hospitalization from Apr. 13-26. That is more than double the hospitalization metric of five per seven days.

Large counties failing both metrics, over 200 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people the last two weeks and more than five new hospitalizations in a seven day period, will return to Phase 2 starting Friday, May 7 for a three week period.

In Phase 2, indoor dining is reduced to 25% capacity with six people per table and two household restrictions. The 25% capacity is the limit for most indoor activities. Spectators at outdoor sports competitions is limited to 200. Working remotely is encouraged.

Washington state Department of Health data show 19 counties, 49%, of the state, with over 200 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people the last two weeks. The state does not have a county-based summary table for hospitalizations.