Latest Travel Information

Snohomish Health District is following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) travel guidance during the holiday season. The full guidance can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

The guidance for domestic travelers (within the United States or to a U.S. territory) is as follows: Those travelling internationally must show a negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the U.S. regardless of vaccination status. International travelers should consult the CDC international travel website and flowchart for more information about this and other travel requirements.

• Those individuals who develop COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and consult with a healthcare provider for testing recommendations.
• Masks are required on all public transportation.
• Do not travel if you are sick, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive.

• Fully vaccinated travelers are not recommended to get a SARS-CoV-2 viral test after domestic travel, unless they are symptomatic or testing is required by local, state, or territorial health authorities.
• Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine following domestic travel.

• It is recommended that those who are not fully vaccinated get a viral COVID-19 test 1 to 3 days before their trip.
• These travelers are recommended to have a post-arrival test 3-5 days after arrival at destination, combined with self-monitoring and a 7-day period of staying home (or in a comparable location such as a hotel room) or otherwise self-quarantining.
  • The 7-day period should be completed even if the test is negative.
  • In the absence of testing, this period should be extended to 10 days.

Omicron Variant

The virus that causes COVID-19 mutates leading to different variants. One of the newest variants is known as Omicron, which was first identified in South Africa and as of December 4, 2021, was identified in the United States and more recently in Washington state. While not officially identified in Snohomish County yet, it's likely already here. 

Early work from South Africa suggests it is transmitted more rapidly or easily than the Delta variant and repeat infections are more common than with Delta. There is a lot that we still need to learn about this new variant. At this time it is very important that we continue to use all the prevention measures that we have been doing for many months now - get vaccinated if eligible, get a booster vaccine dose if eligible, wear a mask, have good ventilation indoors, test if you have symptoms, and stay home when sick.

For more information about the Omicron variant, please visit the CDC website at
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids

The Snohomish Health District communications team recently sent out a blog post about the COVID-19 vaccine titled "COVID vaccine is a game changer for keeping our kids healthy." To view this posting go to: 
http://www.snohd.org/Blog.aspx?IID=53#item. 

We would appreciate your input!

Free Trainings for Child Care Providers

The Snohomish Health District Child Care Health Outreach Program is offering several COVID-19 related trainings for child care providers. These trainings offer free in-service STARS credits. 

• COVID-19 Vaccine Training for Child Care Providers
• Building Confidence in the COVID-19 Vaccination (available in English and Spanish)
• COVID-19 Class for Child Care Providers in Washington State
• COVID-19 Class for Washington K-12 Schools