Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray — Numbers: As of May 14, there are 17,951 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 178 cases in the last 24 hours.Visit the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more.   Statewide Response Updates  Briefing schedule: Washington State COVID-19 Joint Information Center telebriefings will continue to happen on … Continue reading

Inslee extends COVID-19 proclamation aimed at protecting domestic violence victims

— from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee — Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of Proclamation 20-45 today, strengthening emergency protection for domestic violence victims amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.  The proclamation extension was previously denied by Republicans, with House Republican Leader Wilcox only agreeing to extend the proclamation by a day, … Continue reading

Inslee statement on voluntary contact information as part of phased reopening

— from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee — Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today on voluntary contact information for patrons as part of phased reopening. “We are asking visitors to voluntarily provide contact information in case of COVID-19 exposure. We only need information for one person per household. … Continue reading

Statement on misinformation circulating about quarantine orders and facilities in Washington state

Statement from John Wiesman, Secretary of Health and Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer The Department of Health is aware of rumors and misinformation circulating about quarantine orders and specialized quarantine facilities. Public health officials regularly ask people who are sick with an infectious disease or may have been exposed to … Continue reading

Sheriff’s Report | May 6 - 12, 2002

— from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office — Wednesday, May 6, 202020-003224 Weapons Offense 08:20:28 05/06/20An Orcas Deputy was dispatched to a weapons noise near Eastsound. A bullet was found to have gone through a window and then a wall. An investigation was completed and a report taken. 20-003228 Fraud … Continue reading

Additional county approved to move to phase two of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray — Camp Murray, WA — Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved the variance application for Whitman County to move into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. This brings the total to 9 counties. Businesses in the counties approved to … Continue reading

COVID-19 Community Conversations: Round Six

— from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management — This week “COVID-19 Community Conversations” continues with another set of videos highlighting specific efforts from organizations and people in our community that provide key services and crucial leadership around the county. You can find our entire collection of videos on our … Continue reading

Inslee issues additional guidance for outdoor recreation in Phase 1 and Phase 2

— from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee — Gov. Jay Inslee today issued guidance clarifying Phase 1 outdoor recreation requirements, and set forth outdoor recreation guidance for Phase 2. Through the Washington “Safe Start” plan, more businesses and activities will re-open in phases, with adequate safety and health standards in … Continue reading

Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray — Numbers: As of May 13, there are 17,773 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 261 cases in the last 24 hours.Visit the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more.   Statewide Response Updates  Long Term Care Facility (LTCF) Reporting: As of May 9, a total of … Continue reading

County Council will hold joint meeting on Friday with Board of Health

— from Ingrid Gabriel — Please Notice that the San Juan County Council and San Juan County Board of Health will be holding a Special Meeting via Skype teleconferencing on Friday, May 15, 2020 beginning at 9 am. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Board’s COVID 19-Response. … Continue reading

Letter to Editor | Public health, protests, and the missing link

— from Tom Eversole — Public Health functions include assessment, policy development, and assurance. Successful response to a pandemic requires an “All of Government” approach to successfully manage the outbreak. When data show that too many children are dying from vaccine-preventable diseases (assessment), a school exclusion policy requiring proof of immunity serves to … Continue reading

Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray — Numbers: As of May 12, there are 17,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 182 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit  the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more.   Statewide Response Updates  2020 Wildland Fire Season & COVID-19 Telebriefing: Warm, sunny days have … Continue reading

OICF releases a new set of posters to encourage mask-wearing

— from Kate Long for Orcas Island Community Foundation — The Orcas Island Community Foundation has created a series of posters for businesses and organizations to use as they see fit to encourage mask-wearing in their establishments. There are seven posters both in English and Spanish with different messages. They … Continue reading

Letter to Editor | Visitors from off-island also need to be mindful of COVID rules

— from Russel Barsh for KWIAT — Last weekend Indian Island had over fifty visitors from the mainland, only a handful had masks, and they seemed completely clueless. That put my (masked) researchers and volunteers at risk. I am altogether happy to be welcoming and positive with visitors, but they … Continue reading

It’s a Wrap! Health Care District issues RFP for a new medical practice

— from Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter — After two years of operations, observations, research, and professional and public input, the commissioners of the Orcas Island Health Care District approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) describing in detail the medical system and services they would like to see on Orcas … Continue reading