“COVID-19 Community Conversations” Round Seven

After taking a week off, “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 YouTube channel “San Juan County COVID-19 Response” at www.sjccovid.com/conversations. This week we have two new videos:

Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey, Executive Artistic Director, San Juan Community Theater:
In 2019, Nathan worked with staff, public, and volunteers to help produce more than 150 events. Their mission is to “enrich community through the performing arts,” a mission that has been challenged by the COVID-19 crisis.

Says Kessler-Jeffrey, “SJCT is currently in a period of going dark. There is a lot for our staff to do as we prepare for the moment when we can safely reopen. We’ve marked out our seats for social distancing, we’re looking at outdoor performances, I’m working on guidelines for our virtual playwright’s festival, and we’ve started a $193,000 fundraising campaign to replace lost revenue from canceled events.”

Check in with Nathan to learn more about how the San Juan Community Theater is adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges they face.

Merry-Ann Keane, Chief Administrative Officer, PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center:
Speaking of the COVID-19 pandemic, Keane states, “Our whole world here on San Juan Island changed. And how we had to practice medicine, and care for one another, also changed.”

Everyone entering the medical center is expected to wear a mask, if you do not have one, one will be provided. If patients do have COVID-like symptoms, Keane asks that patients call first. There is drive-through testing for patients who need it.

“I’m really proud of our community, and how seriously our community has taken social distancing and mask wearing… we have fared very well in the San Juan Islands because everyone has taken this seriously.”

In this video, Keane discusses numerous issues involving testing, inpatient care, at-risk patients, how to get care for non-COVID issues, and more – so take a few minutes to check in with Merry-Ann.

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