New dashboards make COVID-19 data visual
-- from Joint Information Center, State Emergency Operations Center -- Camp Murray, WA — The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) changed how COVID-19 information appears on our website. It is now in a data dashboard with new visualizations and metrics. The Department of Health worked in partnership with Microsoft’s AI for
Editorial | I’ve been hearing voices
-- by Lin McNulty, Editor, Orcas Issues -- For the last week month or so, tightly tucked into my home office work space, I've been hearing voices. Luckily, I am able to say the voices are recognizable and they are giving me hope and smiles, qualities in danger of being
Sheriff’s Report | March 25 – 31, 2020
-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- Wednesday, March 25, 202020-002112 Theft 09:04:39 03/25/20A Lopez Village business reported that someone has been using their dumpster for household garbage. A report was taken for theft of services. A possible suspect has been identified for follow up contact. 20-002114 Traffic Stop
Support Sea View, watch this film online
-- from Orcas Island Film Festival/Sea View Theatre -- The Orcas Island Film Festival is committed to helping support the Sea View Theatre during this challenging time when their doors must remain closed to protect the community. Your Ticket Purchase to this virtual film screening will directly support the Sea
HOT TOPIC #12 | What if empathy went viral
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders -- from Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey, Executive Artistic Director, San Juan Community Theatre -- Since the beginning of the pandemic, I've had friends sick. Some were able to get tested, others not so much. All of them felt the
Message from Orcas and Lopez Public Hospital Districts
-- from Anne Presson, Orcas and Lopez Public Hospital Districts -- It’s been a few weeks since my last communication to the community, and I’m taking this opportunity to report on and recognize the work of our local providers. They have all done a wonderful job supporting our community as
Paycheck Protection Program opens April 3rd to businesses in San Juan County and elsewhere
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) would like to convey to business owners that applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a vital component of the CARES Act signed into law last week, will be open for local small
Letter to Editor | Let’s avoid tragedy of the commons
-- from Beth Dixon -- Among the concerns during this time is making sure we have sufficient food and other resources for ourselves and our families. In a rural setting it’s important to avoid the “tragedy of the commons” – defined by Wikipedia as, “… a situation in a shared-resource
County leaders URGE residents to restrict off-island travel
Follow strict health guidelines upon return -- from Brendan Cowan for Department of Emergency Management -- As Washington State approaches the anticipated peak of COVID-19 medical surge cases, San Juan County urges everyone to take more aggressive precautions to protect their families and neighbors when coming to the islands from
Tuning out the pandemic | ‘Ode to Frieda the Pig’ by Mandy Troxel
-- from your community -- Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. Mandy Troxel, House Concerts & Such If you have music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com.
Inslee extends ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ through May 4
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced a month-long extension of his "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" emergency order Thursday evening. The order, which banned all gatherings and temporarily shuttered non-essential businesses, will continue through May 4. "Epidemiological modeling from the University of Washington predicts we will have
PeaceHealth Clinic in Friday Harbor offers their patients mobile COVID-19 testing
Testing to include the general community when testing kits become more broadly available -- from Deanna Ellefson for PeaceHealth Medical Group -- To minimize face-to-face contact and ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers, and community members, PeaceHealth Medical Group in Friday Harbor will offer mobile COVID-19 testing for PeaceHealth Medical
Tuning out the pandemic | ‘Imagine’ by Ron Myers
-- from your community -- Our musical community reaches out during an unscheduled pandemic to share their tunes. Because music soothes, centers, distracts us. IMAGINE | Ron Myers (music available for purchase) If you have music you wish to share, send us an MP3 file to editor@theorcasonian.com.
Orcas Family Health defines protective practices, thanks patients for patience
-- from Aaimee Johnson for Orcas Family Health Center -- In the current health care climate, like all of our island businesses, we at Orcas Family Health Center are working to slow the spread of the coronavirus while continuing to provide care to our patients. Below are some of the
OPALCO weekly update and check-in
-- from OPALCO -- From the Co-op staff, leadership and board: we are wishing you well and hope you and your family are safe. Our crew is still at work keeping the power on - while practicing safety precautions. OPALCO announced COVID-19 relief measures last week and we ask you
Lahari launches free online training to fulfill basic caregiver needs
-- from Lahari -- In association with Cornerstone Healthcare Training, Lahari is offering a free online course in Basic Caregiver Training. Time and date to be determined according to interest. The need for additional trained caregivers on Orcas is urgent due to the Covid19 pandemic. Time is of the essence.
