— from Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter —
It was a Saturday unlike most others in island history. With the Covid-19 pandemic in full swing, there’s a general feeling of disorientation in the air and we are all unsure about what comes next. Somehow at the same time there were aspects to the day that felt familiar and not so different from any other Saturday on this island we call home.
Here are a few scenes from around the island on Saturday, March 28:
The mostly empty Chelan arriving at Orcas Landing early Saturday afternoon. On Wednesday, the County Public Health officer, Dr. Frank James, issued an order restricting non-essential travel to the County. The Orcas Village Store to the left remains open for business.
The public dock at West Sound. All County recreational facilities have been closed until further notice.
Moran State Park and all other State parks in Washington are closed.
Deer Harbor Marina. All transient moorage in San Juan County has also been closed in compliance with the March 25 public health order.
Garbage and recycling services remain open at the transfer station, but the Exchange has been closed since March 14.
Social distancing cubes at the Eastsound Post Office.
The Food Bank has stepped up to the challenge and is providing much needed support to many islanders during this time. New hours and procedures have been established beginning March 30.
The smell of coffee filled the air and Brown Bear Baking was busy on this Saturday morning. Many island restaurants are offering take out service since being closed for sit-down meals.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy — and don’t forget it’s Spring!
I sure hope someone is recording these experiences of life on the Islands during the time of Covid 19. I can smell a community collaborative of Island stories.
I’m not an islander, but I recently subscribed to this paper and I’m amazed at the content! And it’s a daily paper. How is it possible? Our weekly paper should be referred to as a “weakly” paper. If it wasn’t for ads, it would have no content. Several of us met with the publisher and editor to advise on content. We told them we wanted local information. And the only time we wanted national news was if it pertained to us locally. Now I am going to forward them one copy of this, with the editor’s permission, to show them excellence in journalism is alive and well on Orcas Island. Thank you, Lin McNulty, for an amazing publication. Linda Thompson, McCleary, Washington