San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau Response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak
Posted March 17, 2020 at 4:48 pm by Peggy Sue McRae
The safety of our island communities is our highest priority. In light of growing concerns about COVID-19, the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, the destination marketing organization (DMO) for the San Juan Islands, is encouraging visitors to postpone their travel plans to the San Juans to limit the potential spread of the virus. We are also suspending advertising campaigns. Based on Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s recommendations, and those of San Juan County officials, we are urging visitors and locals alike to practice social distancing and postpone non-essential travel.
Governor Inslee issued a temporary statewide order effective March 16 through March 31 to shut down restaurants, bars, entertainment, and recreational facilities due to the coronavirus. Restaurants are allowed to operate only in take-out, grab and go, and delivery capacities. We regret the impact this will have on our local businesses and economy.
The Visitors Bureau will work to encourage support of these small businesses when it is safe to do so once again. These, among other community mitigation efforts, are considered the quickest and most effective means of containing COVID-19 transmissions.
We urge all travelers and community members to take protective measures against COVID-19, including frequently washing your hands, avoiding touching your mouth, nose, and eyes, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. Also, if ferry travel is necessary, please stay in your car during the passage. Please find additional guidelines and local information about COVID-19 on the San Juan County website, HERE.
We will continue to monitor the situation as we work together with town and county officials to protect the people and places we love. We wish everyone health and wellness.
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau Staff and Board
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