FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., March 20, 2020–While no positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in San Juan County to date, (Correction: Since receiving this 1 resident of Orcas has tested positive with COVID-19), officials leading response efforts expect to see this change as these numbers increase across western Washington.   Leaders with PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center  Continue Reading

First San Juan County Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19 Coronavirus An Orcas Island resident has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. “The patient is in stable condition and is being treated at home,” said Dr. Frank James, San Juan County Health Officer. “The patient was seen by their physician after experiencing COVID-like symptoms. The COVID-19  Continue Reading

I am a resident of San Juan County. I grew up on one of the small non-ferry islands, and members of my family including my parents still live there. Currently I am in a small town about 40 miles southeast of Paris. I was here visiting my boyfriend who is French when the COVID-19 outbreak  Continue Reading

We’re getting questions daily about testing. Because of a severe shortage of testing supplies, CDC has some new guidance on ending self isolation after symptoms resolve without a test and whom should be tested. We need to be testing far more patients but simply can’t currently. Dr. House has been doing all testing personally in  Continue Reading

The Little Store announces COVID-19 options for our customers… First: @Christi Napier with You Buy I’ll Fly is delivering for The Little Store. She charges 15% for deliveries AND she will be placing us on her website. To get a delivery through You Buy We’ll Fly, contact @Christi Napier. Second: From 6am to 2pm only  Continue Reading

A new Facebook page features local restaurants with up to date information. Link to: San Juan Island Restaurants From Vinny’s, “It’s a great day for a Vinny’s Meatball Sandwich. Give us a call at 360.378.1934. Open from 12:00-7:00 for take out. Other menu options are available to.

Cynthia’s now open for take out and delivery. Please stop by – call in 360-298-8130 or email us at @cynthiasofcourse@gmail.com

A message from Diane Martindale… The Town of Friday Harbor is accepting proposals for artwork to be displayed on or against a 235-foot wall along Blair Avenue. Proposals will be accepted until April 30. All proposals will be considered with preference going to those from local artists. The Friday Harbor Arts Commission will review and  Continue Reading

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art will be closed until further notice per the direction of public health officials as we come together to slow the spread of COVID-19. Stay well and we’ll see you soon.  Thank you for your continued support in this emergency.

An important message from Merri Ann Simonson… It is imperative that you complete the 2020 census report as it aids in improving the quality of life in San Juan County.   Our County needs federal funding.  Do your part, be counted! The request for information will be either mailed as a letter or post card on  Continue Reading

A message from Minnie Knych… The Career Center Job Fair scheduled for April 11 will be postponed until social distancing is no longer advised.  However,  the Career Center is still available to assist Job Seekers and Employers.  Regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Due to social distancing, business will be conducted via phone/email  Continue Reading

From the county, an informative update of our local coronavirus situation…  In order to help directly answer community concerns, San Juan County released a new COVID-19 video community update to the public on Thursday, March 19. Our latest question and answer session was recorded rather than broadcast live as our previous livestream (on March 9)  Continue Reading

While WSF cannot extend the 90-day period for tickets and travel passes, customers who are unable to use tickets or travel passes because of COVID-19 concerns may be eligible for a refund for the unused portion of their fare. All refund requests can be submitted online. Please note that it may take longer than the typical  Continue Reading

In spite of everything its Spring. I love this photo of windswept daffodils taken by Margaret Thorson.

The SJI Farmers Market is *cancelled* this weekend. We are working to find the best ways to support our local farmers and provide nutritious food for the community, while also ensuring that the health needs of everyone are met. Stay tuned for a list of local CSA/farm-stands currently operating. We plan to be open *outside* and  Continue Reading

To the families and children for whom I provide care:   While there are still no proven cases of COVID-19 infection on San Juan Island, it is prudent for me to step away from seeing patients at this time. So, in an abundance of caution for myself as a higher risk individual, my family, and  Continue Reading

In the wake of newly announced statewide regulations designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, we are temporarily closing Griffin Bay Bookstore and Café to in-store shopping, events, and meetings beginning Tuesday, March 17 and continuing until further notice. The store is closed but we are open for orders on our website—www.griffinbaybook.com—and by email  Continue Reading

Dear Staff, Parents and Community, I am writing today to express GRATITUDE.  During this time of the Coronavirus pandemic, I am extremely grateful that to date, our island has no known cases.  I am grateful for a community that overwhelmingly supports our students by passing levies.  It is our Capital and Technology levy that has  Continue Reading

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) Board of Directors would like to urge commercial and residential property owners to extend extraordinary leniency to tenants during this financial downturn. Extending repayment times, halting payments during enforced closure times, waiving penalty clauses, and offering rent forgiveness during this time are all ways to ensure that  Continue Reading

The long-awaited proposal to annex the Town of Friday Harbor into San Juan Island Fire & Rescue will have to wait a bit longer.  It had been slated to be on the April 28 special election ballot.  Unfortunately, on Tuesday, March 17, Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman formally asked Governor Jay Inslee to cancel  Continue Reading

The Friday Harbor Food Bank will continue to be open every Wednesday and Saturday 1130AM to 2PM to all residents of San Juan Island. We have instituted some new procedures designed to minimize contact between volunteer staff and citizens wishing to access our food supplies.  Citizens are asked to maintain 6 feet of space between  Continue Reading

We hear from Boo Boo at Cask and Schooner. They are currently open for take-out from 11:30am to 8pm. Cask and Schooner 360.378.2922