||| FROM KYRA JAHANFAR for COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |||
Since the update last Friday May 13, there have been 89 new confirmed or probable cases in San Juan County. Current
case count is now 1579. The following represents active confirmed or probable cases reported across the islands.
- LOPEZ ISLAND: There are 10 active cases.
- ORCAS ISLAND: There are 18 active cases.
- SAN JUAN ISLAND: There are 77 active cases.
Note that these numbers do not include suspect cases (e.g., positive over-the-counter tests). Even though suspect cases
are not reportable by State guidelines, they do provide a more complete picture of infection rates in our County. There
are almost as many suspect cases that we know about this week as confirmed or probable cases.
San Juan County currently has the highest case rate in the State, infection rates here are almost double those in neighboring Counties.
We are working on several outbreaks on San Juan Island currently. Early information from the investigations have
revealed that known cases have spent time in local businesses and other volunteer organizations while infectious.
This is a time to be cautious when thinking about interacting with anyone outside your household. We urge you to
continue using the best practices outlined below to limit your personal risk and prevent community spread:
- If you are sick, stay home and test yourself for COVID. Test kits come with two tests for a reason. If the first test
is negative, please use the second test at least 24 hours later to accurately determine your status. You may use
the following resources if you are symptomatic, test positive, or are a close contact of a positive individual: 1)
COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree 2) What to Do If You Test Positive - Those who are high-risk or who are interacting closely with others who are high-risk, should continue to be
thoughtful and work to minimize exposure. Minimizing exposure includes wearing masks, limiting gatherings,
and testing prior to gatherings. - It is NEVER too late to vaccinate. COVID vaccines dramatically reduce the risk of hospitalization and death if
infected. Booster shots significantly reduce risks even further. Additional appointments at County mass
vaccination sites were opened this week. For information on COVID vaccine appointments visit sjccovid.com. - Individuals that are high-risk and test positive for COVID are encouraged to contact their medical home or
Primary Care Provider (PCP) regarding treatment options. Preventative therapies are also available before you
get infected. - Know your Status. You can still order free COVID test kits through the Washington State Department of Health
at the Yes to Test website here. Currently, you may place an order for two test kits once a month (this is subject
to change).
Those who wish to keep up with case numbers may do so at the SJC COVID Data Dashboard. We will continue written
updates as necessary to share critical information.
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When I was working in Public Health, folks said that it was people’s “personal responsibility” to have health insurance. It was also people’s personal responsibility to keep from getting infected with HIV. Now that SJ county is experiencing its highest COVID infection rates, I hear that we have moved from a public health response into a personal health response. That is, it is everyone’s personal responsibility to decide how much risk they are willing to take and to act accordingly.
But the larger question is: Personal responsibility for what? For doing what it takes to keep ourselves healthy? Certainly. Do we also have a “personal responsibility” to help others minimize their risk? That is, do we have a personal responsibility to not infect others- especially when we don’t know we are infected with COVID? That would be done by wearing a mask, getting vaccinated and social distancing when appropriate and possible.
It’s reported that county COVID-19 infection rates are higher than ever, but what are responsible persons doing about it? Short of some population-level mandate, do we have a “personal responsibility” to help others keep themselves from becoming infected?
Chart crime! Misleading statistics create sensational headlines.
For once I agree with Paula. This morning the County Covid database shows 1583 total cases and 82 active cases on San Juan Island, which is by far the worst number. Orcas has only 18 active cases by comparison. And this is not the worst things have been. That happened in January. This morning the NYT Coronavirus Tracker showed Gray’s Harbor WAY ahead of San Juan County in cases per capita.
yes Michael-
but as stated the numbers do not include unreported
( positive tests) cases which could
double the statistics. And folks are still gathering sans protection or distancing…WA has the highest number i of
all states , and our county the highest rate in WA.
Of course, this is BEFORE Memorial Day weekend,.
True , Paula, statistics can be manipulated—but when I personally have knowledge of 5 people I know within the last week who have been exposed,
methinks the statistics may well
be UNDERreported.
And just how hard is it to protect oneself as well as
others. Our community has a high number of
elderly—for whom covid means a far more serious potential
outcome.
Just wear a damn mask already or at least distance!