A surge of COVID-19 cases in Skagit County is putting a strain on area hospitals, and three of four COVID-19 deaths this month occurred within the last two weeks at Island Hospital.

“We’re holding very sick patients in our hospital because regional hospitals are all full,” Island Hospital CEO Charles Hall said Monday. “Many of them are at capacity or are on the verge — and we’re struggling, as they are struggling, to care for the massive amount of patients that require the care.”