63 new COVID cases on San Juan Island

The San Juan County Department of Emergency Management reports 63 confirmed or probable new COVID cases on San Juan Island since Jan. 14. The County also reports 23 new cases on Orcas Island, 19 on Lopez Island, and one on an outer island. This week’s 106 new cases bring the total case count to 856.

In their media release, the County explains that:

While the rate of new COVID cases appears to be slowing nationally, it is expected that Washington, and San Juan County are still at least a couple of weeks behind. The volume of cases in the islands remains extremely high. It is encouraging news that the surge does appear to decline fairly quickly after peaking. With luck that same trend will be seen in the islands in the weeks to come.

At home testing supplies are finally beginning to become more readily available. If you haven’t ordered your four free COVID tests for your household, please do so at: www.covidtests.gov and/or you may order up to five kits through the WA State program at: www.sayyescovidhometest.org. Also note that if you purchase kits yourself, most insurers will now directly cover or pay you back for up to 8 at-⁠home tests per month, for each person on your plan.

Sadly, San Juan County did experience its first fatality due to COVID. General information is available here.

San Juan County Public Health staff continue to monitor islanders who are hospitalized due to COVID. To date in 2022, all hospitalizations are in unvaccinated individuals. Getting vaccinated makes more sense than ever. Go here for vaccine clinic registration links.

This document provides critical information for islanders who test positive for COVID, including info on how to report your test result.

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