— from Brendan Cowan, SJC Department of Emergency Management —
Second confirmed positive case on Orcas Island:
A close household contact of the first positive case has also tested positive for COVID-19. This positive result was anticipated by San Juan County Public Health Staff and close contact tracing was completed over the weekend to ensure the individuals did not have contact with the general public.
Stay at home and other orders and closures:
This week the Governor has issued a Stay at Home Order and the San Juan County Council has discussed steps to protect the public health of the community. The San Juan County Board of Health will further discuss local steps this week. As with all of these interventions, they have significant impacts to the economic and social welfare of our communities.
More detailed information about potential San Juan County actions and a more useful analysis of what the Governor’s Order means for the islands will be coming this week. Apologies for the delay, but we want to make sure we’ve fully reviewed and understand all of the implications before getting into more specifics.
In the interim, we ask all islanders to use common sense when making decisions. Assume that the disease is here, and take all actions possible to minimize social contact and maximize distancing. There will be no unilateral enforcement actions taken at this time – the priority is education, communication, and encouraging the islands to do the right thing.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
A well-written, and informative article.
Thank you San Juan County, and thank you volunteers for all you’re doing. It’s obvious, even at this early stage, that the challenges before us are enormous, and that this is going to require a tremendous effort on behalf of many. Though intricately intertwined it’s a relief to see that in spite of the pressure from some to do otherwise the county recognizes, and is acting on the premise that this is a health crisis first, and an economic crisis second. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of tomorrow’s meeting.
As I’ve said before, we should be testing people for COVID-19 to the greatest extent feasible, so that we have reliable information on the extent of the outbreak in our County. Knowledge is power.
thanks for the report. All air travel except emergencies should be stopped. As for essentials, we needed a “one per customer” policy in all stores a month ago or more.
At Lavender Hollow, we share a common laundry room with NO running water to wash our hands or clean surfaces. There are 2 washers and dryers between 40 people and whoever else they let use the laundry room. It’s a hotbed of disease. Time to string up clothes lines and wear only a few clothes.
Some of us only can pay with cash or check. What happens when these things are not accepted and stores close? How will people with no computers or cell phones or credit cards order their food or necessities?
Here’s an idea; maybe relief organizations would accept monies for gift cards or to put into online accounts for people without credit cards. The poor and middle class are feeling it the worst already. Does stay at home mean we can’t drive to our (isolated) gardens? What exactly will it mean?