— from The Vacation Rental Work Group —
We face a unique challenge in San Juan County. We have a greater ability than most areas to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, yet simultaneously depend economically on visitors. We also have a disproportionately elderly population, who are at increased risk for fatal complications from COVID-19.
Our community has performed admirably in combating the first wave of this pandemic. We have flattened the curve by making extraordinary efforts to step up and care for each other, enact protective measures, and stay home for everyone’s safety.
The success we have had so far is not cause to grow complacent. COVID-19 will undoubtedly spread further in our community if tourism is allowed to reopen. Yet balanced against this danger is the prospect of economic ruin for many islanders if some degree of tourism is not allowed to resume in the near future.
It is with these weighty stakes that our community must navigate a path forward. We in the Vacation Rental Work Group believe that any reopening of tourism must be enacted with great caution. For example, hotels, B&Bs and resorts could begin to resume operation at a safely reduced capacity with additional safeguards to be maintained by hosts or staff members. Onsite supervision is key.
Looking further ahead, this pandemic has presented an opportunity for us to strengthen and diversify our local economy and reduce our dependency on tourism. If we work together, we can emerge from this an even stronger and more vibrant community.
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Well said! Our economy is going to stay the same until we change it. Now that the economy is in pause, we can and must rebuild it in a better direction. No one will do this for us, and we cannot complain about what others do. It’s what we do, what we buy and from whom that defines our economy. The SJI Food Hub is a great start! A local cooperative bank or community development bank would be a good addition. Don’t take “development” literally, it mostly means support of small businesses. Tourism will always be a part of our… Read more »
“The Vacation Rental Work Group”. Who are you? Is Orcas your home? Do you live here? Do you represent the resorts and hotels that faithfully serve our residents or just Vacation Rentals? How will you vet who vacations here? So many questions, but I really don’t know who I’m asking!
I have my opinions and proudly don’t hide behind a “Work Group” Title.
Let’s diversify by investing in something beyond tourism.
One such economic development opportunity is home health and in-home care for seniors and people with disabilities. More than half of the people living on Orcas are elders, and local residents need sustainable jobs. Home health/home care is a growth industry that can provide a family wage and a job ladder as well as professional training and career advancement opportunities. It builds community, allowing elders to continue living and spending on island. It’s a perfect fit for local non-profits with potential for public-private partnerships.
Christopher, they have been around for quite some time and have had many community meetings. They are not hiding.
https://www.vacationrentalsorcas.org/home
Christopher Evans, do you know how to google?
I am in a high risk group with lung disease and being 80 years old. While I am not afraid to die, I would rather not do so gasping for air. Diversification sounds like a beautiful dream to me. I hope some folks have some grand ideas, I certainly don’t. Somethings gotta give. I worry about our farmers.