From the Washington State Department of Health An outbreak of vibriosis in Washington has already surpassed the highest number of cases ever recorded by the state for the month of July. Recent high temperatures and low tides in Washington state are likely to blame for the increased rate of illness, which is associated with eating  Continue Reading

“Island Senior” is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae.  UPDATE – We are monitoring developments with Delta and other COVID variants that may affect our Mullis Center onsite community meal re-opening. Everyone’s health safety is our top priority. Please stay tuned for more information via our newsletter, website, Facebook page  Continue Reading

From PeaceHealth In an effort to expand access to affordable health care, the federal government has established a special enrollment period for coverage through the Affordable Care Act, now through Aug. 15. Those seeking health insurance coverage, or looking to change their plans, may be able to achieve significant savings and lower costs on coverage  Continue Reading

From San Juan County Adult Drug Court The San Juan County Adult Drug Court awarded its first certificate of graduation to Jordan Lynn-Jefferson of Orcas Island July 7. After 697 days or almost 24 months in the county’s therapeutic program, Jordan emerges a more self-confident and mature young man with goals for his life and  Continue Reading

From PeaceHealth Two months into the re-opening of the PeaceHealth Medical Group Cardiology Clinic, Leah Bosman, clinic manager, is tracking final details related to the move as staff adjust to their new environment. “We’re still waiting for our new signage,” Bosman said, “and we have a few other minor details to settle, but we are  Continue Reading

From San Juan County Since the last update on Friday, June 25, total cases in San Juan County have not increased, and remain at 191. There are no close contacts of positive cases currently in active quarantine in San Juan County, and no confirmed positive cases in San Juan County at this time. There have  Continue Reading

From the Town of Friday Harbor The Town of Friday Harbor is requesting its residents and businesses to curtail their water usage over the next several weeks as the weather reports predict continued hot weather ahead. The town’s water comes from Trout Lake on the western portion of the island and high usage has been  Continue Reading

San Juan Islands Sunrise – Aaron Shepard photo By Hayley Day, San Juan Update The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the San Juan Islands through 9 p.m. Monday. Meteorologists call for “dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures in the 90s, especially areas inland and away from the water.” The weather service  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries Face masks are now required only in indoor areas of our terminals and vessels for all riders and employees in compliance with the latest CDC guidelines. All customers inside terminals or vessels should continue to wear face coverings. However, passengers can remove their masks while outdoors on the sun deck, car  Continue Reading

From San Juan County As of June 27, the San Juan County Health Officer Order requiring all customers — regardless of vaccination status — to wear masks inside businesses will end. However, the state requires all unvaccinated individuals to wear masks inside businesses and other public spaces. There are some exceptions for children under 5  Continue Reading

From San Juan County Since the last update on Friday, June 18, total cases in San Juan County have not increased, and remain at 191. The last update reported an increase of one case; however, after further investigation, it was discovered to be a misreported diagnosis. There are no close contacts of positive cases currently  Continue Reading

Westside sunset, Contributed Editor’s Note: According to the National Weather Service, the high temperature in Friday Harbor is expected to reach 86 degrees Saturday, 88 degrees Sunday and 91 degrees Monday.  From the Washinton State Department of Health The Washington State Department of Health is urging people to take precautions, stay cool, and protect themselves  Continue Reading

From San Juan County Health & Community Services The vaccination rates per island for those age 16 and older are above. There has been a tremendous turnout across San Juan County.

From San Juan County Since the last update on Friday, June 11, total cases in San Juan County have increased from 191 to 192. There is one new case on San Juan Island since the last update. The exposure is unknown. The best remaining opportunities for COVID vaccination will be next week. The final clinics  Continue Reading

From San Juan County The San Juan County Health Officer Order requiring the wearing of masks by customers indoors in businesses and other public spaces will end on June 27. “Thanks to the high vaccination rates in the islands, including in island kids 12 and older, I feel comfortable with lifting the masking order on  Continue Reading

By Deb Langhans, holistic life coach, Journeys to Healing Journeys to Healings presents “Processing the Pandemic” Inner Journey Collage© Workshop from 10 a.m.-noon and 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 27 online for $50.  The scourge of COVID-19 has upended our lives as the most horrific pandemic since 1918. While vaccines provide hope for eventually defeating the  Continue Reading