||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN, DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |||
Another positive COVID test result has been reported for an Orcas Island resident. This is the 38th case reported in San Juan County.
The case has occurred in a close household contact of a recent Orcas Island case. Ongoing investigations show that the four most recent cases on Orcas Island are connected.
Brendon, and Dr. James. What would be really helpful to us would be more detail on how/when/where/who they wer infected…especially how. You say one or more of them were off-island and brought the infection back to Orcas. Were they with family (so, not wearing masks when eating, or not at all), in larger groups, etc. What were the circumstances? Obviously they were in contact with someone infected who was not aware they were.
More info, please, so we won’t make the same mistakes…..
Thank you Brendan. Thanks for the job you, and all the emergency responders continue to do.
We’ve learned since the beginning of the pandemic that of the many of deaths that have occurred in the U.S. that were not Covid-19 related… that autopsies showed many of the deceased had signs of Covid-19 in their bodies. The correlation, of course, makes one wonder if the Covid-19 had contributed to these deaths.
In line with this, I’ve been wondering if there’s been an increase in mortality in SJC (beyond normal numbers) since the pandemic, and also whether any of their autopsies mirrored this finding?
Interesting; I live at Lavender Hollow and just this morning, I heard a man walking down the street on his cell phone (someone I trust to be not spreading runors without substantiation) telling someone “We had 8 new cases this week…” Not sure if he meant county-wide or just on Orcas, but it made me nervous. Are we getting a timely, accurate account of true cases? Any time there is a spike in cases, we need to increase frequency of reporting on case. We need up to date reporting; a few days can make a world of difference and a world of hurt. Here in cooler weather with more indoor activity and letting down of vigilance, is where the rubber hits the road.
Another thought: Eye protection. Viruses get in through the eyes, airborne, as easily as through the nose. Our eyes are unprotected – people need clear face shields or some kind of eye protection. What is SJC doing to get the citizens eye protection? As we spend more and more time indoors, IF the stores can stay open, this is crucial for ALL essential workers FIRST – let’s take care of them – and next, the Public. Those who can afford more than one; now is the time to help a neighbor or a homeless person. I hope the County will use some of that CARES Act money for this purpose.