These are challenging times.  We know that you are facing extraordinary difficulties right now and we want to help. Local non-profits such as ourselves, and government agencies at all levels, are working to create programs to help businesses, employees, and the community as a whole.  Right now, we wanted to let you know that we  Continue Reading

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) has launched a weekly Business Recovery Call for business owners affected by COVID-19 implications.  The first meeting will be held via Zoom, on Wednesday, April 1st, from 10-11a, and subsequent meetings will be held at the same time and day of the week. To join business owners  Continue Reading

FRIDAY MARCH 27: The San Juan County COVID-19 Response Team has been notified by Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor that an email is being forwarded within the San Juan Island Community that makes reference to “…six confirmed cases of the COVID 19 virus here in Friday Harbor. The info I have is from an  Continue Reading

A message from Dr. House at Eventide Health… Testing. We’re doing as much as we can. We’re trying to ramp up and get massive supplies in for wider testing. I think this is key. Working with the health department daily and calling labs and suppliers from literally all over the world. We offered to help  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders. This is the second in a series of articles by Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey that aim to take the abstract concept of social distancing and make it real and hopefully more meaningful for islanders. His first column is HERE. In my guest column on  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders… We are hearing a lot of questions about which construction activities are allowed under the Governor’s Stay at Home, Stay Healthy Proclamation (20-25) issued March 23, 2020 and his subsequent memorandum on Construction Guidance –Stay Home, Stay Healthy Proclamation (20-25).    There  Continue Reading

Thursday March 26, 2020 – The third confirmed positive COVID-19 test result in San Juan County was reported to San Juan County public health staff today. This result is the first confirmed positive case on Lopez Island. As with previous positive results, public health staff have conducted contact tracing to identify close contacts of the  Continue Reading

Frequently Asked Questions: What do these orders mean for the San Juan Islands? On Monday, March 23, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee issued a “Stay at home” proclamation, an order for all of us to limit our daily exposure due to COVID-19. On March 25th, the San Juan County Health Officer issued an order restricting  Continue Reading

We hear from the Food Bank… We have had a few patrons tell us they’ve seen our hours posted online as 10:30-2:00 so I’m emailing today to let you know that our hours HAVE NOT changed… We are open Wednesday and Saturday from 11:30 to 2pm and are offering pre-packaged bags according to household size.  Continue Reading

Today, Wednesday March 25, 2020, San Juan County Health Officer, Dr. Frank James, MD, issued an immediate order to restrict non-essential travel to San Juan County, control contact with playgrounds and playground equipment, and limit transient accommodations and camping. Travel and lodging for individuals engaged in essential activities or providing essential services may continue. The  Continue Reading

A message from the county with more to come… Second confirmed positive case on Orcas Island: A close household contact of the first positive case has also tested positive for COVID-19. This positive result was anticipated by San Juan County Public Health Staff and close contact tracing was completed over the weekend to ensure the individuals  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders… Our community has a strong history of neighbors helping neighbors – a quick scroll through our online news and local Facebook pages exemplifies that spirit with posts centered around getting supplies to those in need; supporting local businesses; caring for our most  Continue Reading

A reminder from Merri Ann Simonson to be sure to fill out your census form. It only takes a few minutes, you can do it online, and it brings critically needed funds into our county… It is imperative that you complete the 2020 census report as it aids in improving the quality of life in  Continue Reading

Dear friends and neighbors of San Juan County, The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed the world around us. It’s disrupted our way of life and created new realities for each of us. It’s understandable to find it all unsettling and concerning. On behalf of PeaceHealth, I want to assure you that we are working purposefully  Continue Reading

Dear OPALCO members, I wanted to reach out and let you know that your Co-op is doing all we can to help our members during these challenging times.  OPALCO’s Board of Directors decided yesterday to suspend all late fees and disconnects during the Covid-19 crisis. This is effective immediately and for the next 60 days.  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders. Note: in an effort to diversity and strengthen San Juan County’s COVID-19 response, we’ve added some people to the team from the broader community. The article below is from Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey, the Executive Artistic Director at the San Juan Community Theater. Thanks  Continue Reading