To our San Juan Island neighbors,
We appreciate the anxiety that many of you may be experiencing related to COVID-19. As of today, San Juan Island has no positive COVID cases which is supported by San Juan County Public health reporting, but we are preparing for this to change as numbers of positive cases increase in the northwest.
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center offers FDA approved testing using nasopharyngeal samples (nasal swabs) to patients with severe lower respiratory tract infection, health care workers, public safety workers or as requested by public health at this time. This is the only approved method of diagnostic testing available throughout the country; while other rapid testing is in development, other forms of testing have not been federally approved.
For the protection of everyone, it is important for our community to continue to follow the recommendations of federal, state and local authorities to minimize the spread of this virus. These include:
- Social distancing; avoid close contact with others who may be sick to minimize the spread of the virus.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Staying home if you are feeling ill.
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash before washing your hands.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Following CDC recommendations for COVID-19.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
More COVID-19 resources may be found at PeaceHealth Know Coronavirus ; San Juan Public Health; Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The health and safety of our community is important. We value the trust you place in us and we are honored to care for this community.
About PeaceHealth: Based in Vancouver, Wash., PeaceHealth is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, a 10-bed Critical Access Hospital in Friday Harbor, serves communities in the San Juan Islands. Key services include general and orthopedic surgery, oncology, behavioral health and primary care. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
