||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN for DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |||
Note: Current positive case numbers are available online at the County Case Data Dashboard. As indicated on that page, these numbers are only updated after case confirmation is complete, usually daily. It is possible that other information sources in community may be quicker to report on new cases, but ensuring privacy and accuracy is critical for this official information source.
Since the last update on Friday March 26, total cases in San Juan County have increased from 131 to 141. Note that there are fifty-six close contacts of positive cases currently in active quarantine.
ORCAS ISLAND
There are no new cases on Orcas Island since the last update. There are no confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island at this time.
LOPEZ ISLAND
There are no new cases on Lopez Island since the last update. There are no confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on Lopez Island at this time.
SAN JUAN ISLAND
There are ten new cases since the last report on San Juan Island. The following details are known about these new cases:
- One of the cases is tied to a previously reported positive case.
- Two cases are unrelated, but both are tied to off-island travel, with limited exposures to the local community.
- Five cases comprise a cluster of new cases, with transmission tied to household or other close contact. Initial transmission source is unknown at this time.
- Two new cases are related to each other through close household contact. The investigation is ongoing, but these cases do not appear to be tied to any of the other positive cases. Initial transmission source is unknown at this time.
- There are 9 positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island at this time.
OVERALL PICTURE
We’ve been warning for some time that a fourth wave was coming. It appears to be here. Cases are up nationally, in Washington, and clearly activity has increased dramatically (at least on San Juan Island).
At this time, it is almost certain that there is some degree of community spread on San Juan Island and there’s no reason to think it won’t happen on the other islands. Be smart, mask up, get vaccinated as soon as you can, limit exposure, and understand that regardless of age or health, getting COVID can result in a long lasting struggle. Nobody should take it lightly.
Review this document for more specifics about our current situation and best practices.
**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.**
