PRESS RELEASE:The San Juan County Health & Community Services surveillance and contact tracing team is actively investigating a positive COVID-19 case with ties to San Juan Island.

The case technically belongs to another county due to both the patients residence and the testing location being on the mainland, however the patient had recently worked in San Juan County. The initial cause of transmission to the patient was due to an off-island exposure.

The County contact tracing team has been aggressively reaching out to anyone who may have had close contact with the patient. At this time, the risk to the broader community appears to be low. The patient was tested at a mainland clinic as soon as symptoms appeared, and the results were received within 12 hours.

This case is a perfect reminder of the need to remain cautious and focused. Though there is reason to think the risk with this case is low, the situation will require ongoing follow up and monitoring by public health surveillance staff to identify and prevent community spread.

As we move into Phase 2 and prepare for Phase 3, we will need to be vigilant. Whether the source be a worker or visitor coming to the island, or an islander headed to the mainland for a visit with family, shopping trip, or work the need for safety precautions is real. This is why there are strict guidelines for businesses as they open, why the face covering order is in effect, and why those who are at high risk are asked to minimize their exposure as much as possible.

San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James summarizes the situation, It is too soon to know for sure, but I think theres a good chance we have avoided community transmission on the island from this case. If so, this will be a textbook example of why the precautions were taking to keep the islands safe matter so much. The fact that the patient was tested quickly by their provider, that their employer was taking full precautions, and that our community and the patient have been covering their faces all matter. If were going to avoid outbreaks we all need to wear face coverings, social distance, and continue to wash our hands. As we move forward toward opening our economy we have a collective responsibility to do so safely.

If the early assessment of this case changes or if additional positive cases are identified, updates will provide further details as they are available.

Again, this case will not appear on San Juan Countys official count- but has certainly triggered a local response and merits increased local awareness. This disease is still a threat to our community.

END OF PRESS RELEASE

Here is a list of the cases so far in San Juan County

As of May 28, 1118 tests had been conducted and 15 people tested positive. Eight on Orcas Island, six on San Juan Island and one on Lopez Island.

The dates shown are the dates the information was released.

MARCH 20 - MORE INFORMATION

1. Orcas Island - Person

MARCH 24 - MORE INFORMATION

2.Orcas Island - Person who was close contact of first case

MARCH 26 - MORE INFORMATION

3. Lopez Island - Person

March 28 - MORE INFORMATION

4. San Juan Island - Resident who was exposed at Seattle fire station where he works. He was called while on traveling home to the islands on the ferry. Stayed in car, contacted Peace Island Medical Center, was tested by a healthcare worker while in his car. Stayed home for 14 days. MORE INFORMATION

APRIL 1 - MORE INFORMATION

5. Orcas Island resident -

6. Peace Island Medical Center staff member. Ordinarily, the county Health Department does contact tracing. PIMC is doing its own contact tracing with advice from San Juan County Medical Officer Dr. Frank James.

APRIL 4 - MORE INFORMATION

7. San Juan Island - A San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services person.

8. Orcas Island - Person who is a close household member of one of the earlier Orcas Island cases.

9. Orcas Island -A man - half of a couple who run a farm on Orcas Island

10. Orcas Island - A woman -half of a couple who run a farm on Orcas Island MORE INFORMATION

APRIL 7:

11. San Juan Island

12. Orcas Island

APRIL 10:

13: Orcas Island

APRIL 16:

14:San Juan Island

MAY 5, 2020 - ACTUAL ONSET DATE APRIL 1

15. San Juan Island

COVID 19 INFORMATION LINKS

Microsoft Interactive Global Map of COVID 19

Centers for Disease Control

Washington State Coronavirus Response

Governor Jay Inslee

Washington State Dept. of Health

San Juan County Dept. of Health

San Juan County's Hot Topic: Contact Tracing

San Juan County Case Numbers

San Juan County COVID 19 Hot Topics

San Juan County Departments' Service Status during COVID-19 Crisis

FAQs about San Juan County's Stay at Home Order

King County/Seattle Dept. of Health

Whatcom County Dept. of Health

Skagit County Dept. of Health

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New COVID-19 case with ties to San Juan Island under investigation - SanJuanIslander.com