Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Sea Mar Community Health Centers continues to follow updates about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and local and state public health agencies. Our priority, as always, is to keep our patients safe and to continue to provide quality healthcare. We have put procedures in place to protect patients, staff, and our community. Such procedures include but are not limited to offering testing and vaccines on a walk-in basis at all our medical clinics; masking all patients; having a dedicated wing in each clinic for patients with certain respiratory symptoms; and implementing phone and telehealth visits for routine care.

If you have symptoms like cough, fever or other respiratory problems, visit your nearest clinic for a COVID test. At all of our medical clinics, we strive to provide the quality of primary health care that your family deserves. Below you can learn more about the virus and what we are doing at our clinic to prevent the spread of it.

Please Note:

• Wear a mask when visiting a clinic regardless of your vaccination status.
• All visitors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before entering the clinic. Visitors with symptoms and/or coming for a COVID-19 test are contained.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, cough), visit a clinic for a test or call to schedule an appointment.

Contact Tracing Alert:

Telehealth:

Telehealth visits now available for medical, behavioral health and dental services! Click here to learn more.

COVID-19 Testing

• As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Washington, testing is one of our most important tools for slowing the spread other than getting vaccinated. All community members looking to get a test can call their nearest Sea Mar medical clinic. Appointments will be scheduled after an evaluation is done with a Sea Mar provider over the phone. Health insurance is not required. You do not need to be a Sea Mar patient to receive a test - all are welcome.
• Anyone, regardless of vaccination status, should get tested if they’re showing symptoms of COVID-19. They should also get tested if they have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 and the Delta Variant

According to the Washington Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

The novel coronavirus is a respiratory virus that was first detected in China and has been spreading person-to-person in other countries, including the United States. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes is called COVID-19 (short for coronavirus disease 2019.)

As new information emerges from across the globe, please remember that the risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race or ethnicity. Seeking and sharing accurate information during a time of heightened concern is one of the best things we can do to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading.

The COVID-19 Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than early forms of the virus and is the predominant strain of the virus in the United States.

On July 27, 2021, CDC updated their guidance on the need for urgently increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage and a recommendation for everyone in areas of substantial or high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor places, even if they are fully vaccinated.

Starting August 23, 2021, Washington state is requiring face masks for everyone over five years of age in most public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. These include places like grocery stores, malls, gyms, and community centers.

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are the best defense in preventing severe illness. Sea Mar is offering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines on a walk-in basis or by appointment. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and everyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible to get a free COVID-19 vaccination. Find a Sea Mar clinic near you.

If You Feel Sick:

• Get tested immediately if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and stay away from others while awaiting the results.
• Stay home when you are sick, especially if you have respiratory symptoms. It’s important you stay away from others when sick.
• Get tested and stay home if you believe you have been exposed to the virus, even if you are not showing any symptoms.
• Monitor yourself for fever, cough and shortness of breath.

How to keep yourself and others safe:

• Get a COVID vaccine to protect yourself and others from severe illness.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Stay home as much as possible. When out in public, practice social distancing and keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other people. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as door knobs and sink faucets.
• A cloth face cover is recommended to be worn while out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
• Get a flu shot to help fight the flu.