Submitted by San Juan County.

Since the last update on Friday, Oct. 29, there have been 12 new confirmed or probable cases in San Juan County. The current case count is now 356. This means that approximately 1 of every 48 island residents has become infected with COVID since the start of the pandemic. Note that approximately 1 of every 7 Americans have contracted COVID so far- stark evidence of the remarkable job the islands have done staying relatively safe.

Of these 12 new cases, initial investigations indicate that 3 appear to have occurred in fully vaccinated individuals. There are approximately 22 unvaccinated close contacts of positive cases currently in quarantine in the islands.

Lopez Island

There is 1 new case on Lopez Island since the last update. There is one positive case under active monitoring on Lopez Island.

Orcas Island

There are 7 new cases on Orcas Island since the last update. There are four positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island.

San Juan Island

There are 5 new cases on San Juan Island since the last update. There are 2 positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island.

Hospitalizations

Two of the 12 new cases are or were hospitalized due to their symptoms. In the midst of a politicized landscape that often leaves logic and science behind, it is easy to forget that COVID is a serious illness with dramatic impacts on families and communities. Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID has killed 1 in every 438 Americans.

Moderna and J&J Boosters

Nearly 2500 islanders have signed up for their Moderna or J&J boosters. These clinics are happening the week of November 15th, and there is still space available for Lopez and Orcas (register at https://www.sanjuanco.com/1737/COVID-Vaccine-Info). Note that other booster clinics will be offered in December in case you are not able to secure an appointment. Many local providers are also offering boosters. As a reminder, here are details on the select groups eligible to receive an additional dose of vaccine.

Pediatric doses for children ages 5-11

Turn out has been great so far and hundreds of island kids are signed up to receive their Pfizer pediatric doses at upcoming clinics. There is still limited space available, and parents are strongly encouraged to sign their children up now. This will be the easiest opportunity to get your child immunized and will allow for a significant level of protection as we head into the holiday travel season. Register at https://www.sanjuanco.com/1737/COVID-Vaccine-Info.