Minnie Knych from the NW Workforce Career Center shares this information with you about Unemployment Insurance… The Career Center is open for business.  However in order to protect your health and limit the spread of the virus, we are conducting business by phone and email.  If you have questions about employment or if you are  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders On April 5th, following guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and the Washington State Department of Health, we asked islanders to cover their faces when in close proximity to people from outside their household. San Juan County residents listened and for  Continue Reading

This week “COVID-19 Community Conversations” continues with three short videos that highlight efforts from organizations and people providing key services and crucial leadership in our community. You can find these videos on our YouTube channel “San Juan County COVID-19 Response” at www.sjccovid.com/conversations. Jamie Stephens, San Juan County Council Member (Lopez and Shaw): Stephens takes a  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders It is a time of so much stress and worry. Now more than ever, in this time of social distancing and with so many unknowns – please know this: You are NOT alone   Stress about COVID-19, the economy, families living in  Continue Reading

Antibody testing – this is the phrase on everyone’s mind right now. We’re getting high numbers of requests daily regarding this as these types of new tests are becoming available. We are in the middle stages of evaluating these tests and have been looking at United Biomedical (who initially reserved a large number of tests  Continue Reading

Celebrate those in the islands working on the front lines of the COVID-19 response with these posters. Anyone in community who wants to print and hang one can feel free to do so.  Click here or on the image above to see the posters available online and then click any one you like to download  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., April 21, 2020 – It started with a simple request for support. In late March, Beth Williams-Gieger, director of administration at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, emailed Peggy Cregor, chair of the Peace Island Volunteers (PIVs) asking if they would be interested in sewing masks for medical providers at PeaceHealth Peace Island.  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders Neighbors caring for neighbors is a fundamental part of life in the islands. This has become even more true during the COVID-19 pandemic where community support, especially of our most vulnerable residents, is a core part of the local response. It has  Continue Reading

Some of the news about COVID-19 is improving, but the latest update from the San Juan County Department of Health is still very cautious: Please understand that one small gathering around a campfire or one low key potluck with just a few friends can cause a major ripple of impacts through our communities. There’s no group of  Continue Reading

By Louise Dustrude – These are challenging times for everyone, and for some individuals and families the challenges are made worse by alcohol or other drugs. Alcoholics Anonymous has long been a resource for those who acknowledge that they are “powerless over alcohol”; Al-Anon is a well-established resource for those impacted by another person’s drinking;  Continue Reading

The pig at Brickworks says “Thank You” to San Juan Island for all of your exemplary self-distancing and your selfless response to this Covid-19 crisis. And please remember to wear your mask when out and about where you’re likely to be near others (but not nearer than 6 feet!) Photo by Kathleen Nelson.

Land Bank Preserves continue to remain open despite other federal and state public land closures because we believe people need access to nature close to home, especially when nothing else in life seems normal. We islanders are fortunate enough to live in a place where we can get outside and take in fresh air while  Continue Reading

Farmers markets in San Juan County are essential providers of locally grown, healthy foods. Our farmers markets have an important role in sustaining the local food chain, and have been working with San Juan County Health & Community Services to ensure safety precautions are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Decisions around  Continue Reading

By Louise Dustrude Testing for COVID-19 in the county is stepping up a bit, as tests slowly become available and as testing labs begin to have more capacity. As of yesterday the county had reported 14 positive cases and reported that 459 people had been tested. PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center reported on April 14  Continue Reading

This week “COVID-19 Community Conversations” continues with three short videos that highlight efforts from organizations and people peoviding key services and crucial leadership in our community. You can find these videos on our YouTube channel at  San Juan County COVID-19 Response. Or click on the videos below: Norvin Collins, Chief of San Juan Island Fire  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., April 16, 2020 – With shared purpose, PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center and San Juan County Health and Community Services continue to work together to control the spread of novel coronavirus and ensure the health of island communities. On Tuesday, April 14, both organizations were informed of COVID-19 test results performed for  Continue Reading