New local case count indicates we are not done with this COVID thing BUT SEE UPDATED REPORT

SEE UPDATED REPORT

||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN for DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |||

Since the last update on Friday October 29, there have been 12 new confirmed or probable cases in San Juan County. Current case count is now 356. This means that approximately one of every 48 island residents have become infected with COVID since the start of the pandemic. Note that approximately one of every seven Americans have contracted COVID so far — stark evidence of the remarkable job the islands have done staying relatively safe.

Of these 12 new cases, initial investigations indicate that three appear to have occurred in fully-vaccinated individuals. There are approximately 22 unvaccinated close contacts of positive cases currently in quarantine in the islands.

• LOPEZ ISLAND: There is one new case on Lopez Island since the last update. There is one positive case under active monitoring on Lopez Island.
• ORCAS ISLAND: There are seven new cases on Orcas Island since the last update. There are four positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island.
• SAN JUAN ISLAND: There are five new cases on San Juan Island since the last update. There are two positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island.

HOSPITALIZATIONS: Two of the 12 new cases are or were hospitalized due to their symptoms. In the midst of a politicized landscape that often leaves logic and science behind, it is easy to forget that COVID is a serious illness with dramatic impacts on families and communities. Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID has killed one in every 438 Americans.

MODERNA and J&J BOOSTERS: Nearly 2500 islanders have signed up for their Moderna or J&J boosters. These clinics are happening the week of November 15, and there is still space available for Lopez and Orcas (register here). Note that other booster clinics will be offered in December in case you are not able to secure an appointment. Many local providers are also offering boosters (details at bottom of this page). As a reminder, here are details on the select groups eligible to receive an additional dose of vaccine.

PEDIATRIC DOSES FOR CHILDREN AGE 5-11: Turnout has been great so far and hundreds of island kids are signed up to receive their Pfizer pediatric doses at upcoming clinics. There is still limited space available, and parents are strongly encouraged to sign their children up now. This will be the easiest opportunity to get your child immunized and will allow for a significant level of protection as we head into the holiday travel season. Register here.