Surge in COVID-19 cases with the Omicron variant.

Snohomish County has seen a large increase in COVID-19 cases in child care primarily due to the Omicron variant.

Isolation and quarantine guidance has recently been updated for the general public by the CDC and Snohomish Health District. Recent changes have also been made for Washington State K12 schools.Until the guidance is updated, Child care facilities in Snohomish County will continue to follow the Washington State Department of Health, last modified on September 10, 2021.

Since the guidance differs for various groups, Snohomish Health District has developed a chart to help clarify, here is the link. For more information about these guidance updates please see Snohomish Health District's Media Release, "Updates to Isolation and Quarantine Guidance."

When testing is required after an illness or an exposure, test results may come from a health care provider, local health jurisdiction, pharmacy or other community-based test site. At home tests are not acceptable at this time. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test includes the original, a copy, or a photo of a document or other communication from the test provider.

As guidance changes, Snohomish Health District will continue to update the child care community through Health Alerts. We are anticipating a change to come from WA DOH soon.

Consult with the COVID-19 schools and child care team to determine which quarantine option should be followed. To report a COVID-19 case, discuss quarantine options, or if you have any other questions about COVID-19, please call 425-252-5415 and leave a message or email childcarehealth@snohd.org. A staff person from the school and child care COVID-19 team will get back to you. You can also call our main COVID-19 call center at 425-339-5278.

Reducing the Transmission of Omicron

Protect your children, staff, and families from the highly contagious, Omicron variant. Wearing proper fitting and high-quality face masks is crucial. Please check out Public Health Seattle King County's recommendations on how to improve your masks to ensure a better level of protection and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to others.

New Mass Vaccination Site

New sites to expand testing and vaccination availability are set to open in partnership with the Snohomish Health District, Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“It is our commitment as a State to work together across the system to ensure that are using every tool that we have available in the fight against COVID-19,” said Sec. of Health Dr. Umair A. Shah. “Working with both our federal and local partners on the expansion of testing and vaccination options is pivotal in ensuring that communities have to access to these resources.”

A new indoor vaccination clinic operated by DOH, EMD and the Health District opened Tuesday, January 18, at the Everett Mall. This site is located at 1402 Everett Mall Way #385, in the former Wet Seal store across from Bath and Body Works and near the Burlington Coat Factory. For more information on the new vaccination site please see Snohomish Health District's Media Release, "New Mass Vaccination Site to Open on Tuesday, Testing Site Coming Soon."

Please contact the Child Care Health Outreach program with questions. You can reach us at 425-252-5415 or by email at childcarehealth@snohd.org. Report cases of COVID-19 to our main call center at 425-339-5278.