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COVID-19 Information & Updates
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Last updated 1/15/2021
Island Hospital received our first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on December 29, 2020. We are currently working on vaccinating the Phase A1 population which includes frontline healthcare workers. Vaccines are allocated and distributed by the State in coordination with Skagit County Public Health. We will notify the community as more information becomes available on the vaccination process for the community. There are a lot of unknowns at this point and we’re doing all we can to develop plans based on limited information.
Our Call Center is currently overwhelmed with calls regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, we are not scheduling vaccination appointments. Call Center representatives do not have any further information beyond what is on this page. Updates regarding the prioritization and distribution of the vaccine will be posted on this webpage, the Island Hospital Facebook page and via local media outlets.
Check Your COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility.
We will continue to post information about the COVID-19 vaccine on this page. Please check back regularly or follow Island Hospital on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/IslandHospital).
Additional information can be found on the Healthy Living blog.
COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION & LOCATIONS
- If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, please go to the nearest Emergency Department.
- If you are an established patient of an Island Hospital clinic and are experiencing COVID symptoms, please contact your provider at 360-293-3101. A triage nurse will determine if you need to be tested and provide instructions. You may also use the Walk-in Clinic. Our hours are Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- If you are not an established patient and you are ill or have COVID-19 symptoms, please use the Island Hospital Walk-in Clinic. Our hours are Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- If you are a Skagit County resident or work in Skagit County and are symptomatic OR have a recommendation from a medical provider or public health official to be tested, please go to the Skagit County Public Health Drive-Thru Testing Site. The county provides all contact tracing for COVID-19 exposures. For more information, visit: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirusdriveup.htm
Skagit County Public Health Drive-Thru Testing Site (New location as of 11/18/20)
Skagit Fairgrounds
501 Taylor Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Enter through the South Gate of the Fairgrounds
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
No appointment necessary
- Additional testing locations:
WhidbeyHealth
360-240-4055
Will test if asymptomatic, but if insurance does not cover being tested the cost is $156, due upfront. Appointment required.
Rite Aid - Mount Vernon
360-424-7958
Go online to schedule an appointment and then you will be directed to the drive thru at the pharmacy. Free for 18 and older. Appointment required.
Message from Island Hospital
If you think you have been exposed to the COVID-19 and have symptoms, please call Island Hospital's Call Center at (360) 293-3101, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If after hours or on weekends, and you are not in respiratory distress, self quarantine at home and wait until the phone lines are open.
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and tell the dispatcher about your symptoms
Our sincerest condolences go out to all who have been affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Island Hospital’s primary focus is on the safety and health of our patients and staff. We are working closely with Skagit County Public Health and the Washington State Department of Health to closely monitor regional COVID-19 cases and implement the latest care guidelines in accordance with CDC recommendations.
We are extremely proud of our dedicated providers and staff who have carefully prepared and remained committed to provide the best healthcare for our patients.
We will continue to share resources and update this page as new information is made available.
Call Center
Staff in our Call Center are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with COVID-19 concerns as well as your usual healthcare needs.
Entrance Restrictions
All patients, visitors and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
Once a person has passed the screening, they will be given a sticker that allows for entry onto the hospital campus for the remainder of the day.
Visitation Guidelines
In order to protect our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic we are implementing new visitation guidelines.
COVID-19 Testing
Testing is available at Island Hospital for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms.
Drive-Thru Testing
We're ready for your next visit!
Island Hospital is taking extra measures to ensure the safety of our patients during the COVID-19 crisis.
We're ready for your next visit!
Island Hospital is taking extra measures to ensure the safety of our patients during the COVID-19 crisis. Here's what we are doing to make the hospital and our clinics safe for your next visit:
- Screening patients and staff upon entry into the building
- Requiring masks be worn by patients and staff
- Installing Plexiglas at all registration desks
- Additional sanitizing in high-touch areas
- Rearranging waiting areas so chairs are 6 feet apart
- Scheduling virtual visits, when appropriate
- Scheduling car checks, when appropriate
- Restricting visitors
We are here for you!
Entrance Restrictions
Island Hospital will be limiting entrance into the facility with the goal of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of patients, staff and visitors.
All patients, visitors and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Once a person has passed the screening, they will be given a sticker that allows for entry onto the hospital campus for the remainder of the day.
Revised Visitation Guidelines - December 1, 2020
In order to protect our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing the following visitation guidelines. Our waiting areas are closed to visitors. Support persons must remain with the patient at all times. Support person must wear a mask at all times.
INPATIENT
- One (1) support person per stay for inpatient admissions NOT related to COVID-19.
- One (1) support person per stay for Birth Center patients.
- One (1) support person per stay for end-of-life. Adjustments may be allowed after discussion with your care team.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
- One (1) support person per stay for ED visits.
SURGERY
- One (1) support person is permitted to help check in and assist with discharge.
- During surgery, support person must wait off premises. Updates will be provided by phone.
- One (1) support person for minors.
PRIMARY & SPECIALTY CLINICS
- One (1) support person only for newborn and pediatric clinic visits.
- One (1) support person only to assist with mobility or communication, if needed.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING, LAB, PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL/SPEECH THERAPY
- One (1) support person to assist with physical or cognitive disabilities, if needed.
We encourage the use of phone and video calls for patients to stay in touch with families as well as to keep them informed regarding their plan of care. Please note, video recording is NOT permitted without staff permission.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Community Education Programs
Community Education programs including classes, screenings and support groups have been impacted due to COVID-19. We are currently offering a limited number of online classes and a handful of screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain spreading from person-to-person in China and countries around the world, including the United States. Health experts are concerned because this is a new virus. While most people will have mild symptoms, the virus can cause sever illness and pneumonia in some people.
Important links to stay informed
Island Hospital encourages everyone to stay informed as information surrounding the coronavirus is changing rapidly. The best sources for reliable information are:
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