Submitted by San Juan County.

Since the last update on Friday, Dec. 3, there have been 13 new confirmed or probable cases in San Juan County. The current case count is now 450.

There are approximately two unvaccinated close contacts of positive cases currently in quarantine in the islands.

LOPEZ ISLAND: There is one new case on Lopez Island since the last update. There are no positive cases under active monitoring on Lopez Island at this time.

ORCAS ISLAND: There are five new cases on Orcas Island since the last update. There are two positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island.

SAN JUAN ISLAND: There are seven new cases on San Juan Island since the last update. There are four positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island at this time.

This week’s report shows an increase in case volumes from last week, but at more moderate numbers than we were seeing in November (fingers crossed it stays that way!). Almost all of the recent cases can be traced to recent holiday travel or gathering. The majority of cases are in vaccinated individuals, which is expected given the very high vaccination rates in San Juan County. As has been the case all along, the more serious cases tend to occur in those who are unvaccinated.

All eyes are on the new Omicron variant, whose apparent high rate of spread has the potential to put considerable demand on healthcare systems. As has been the case with the delta variant, it is a severe illness in those who have decided to remain unvaccinated and in our very highest risk individuals that will likely cause the greatest strain on community resources. We will know much more in the weeks ahead about potential impacts. Read this recent Hot Topic to learn more.

San Juan County Health & Community Services will be giving away more than 3,000 free mail-in PCR test kits from Dec. 13-17. These are to be used over the holidays by those who are symptomatic, have been exposed to someone with COVID, or who are looking to minimize risk when traveling or gathering with others. Kits come with instructions and can be picked up at the following times/locations while supplies last. Residents are asked to take no more than one per family member. Note that due to staff limitations, special arrangements outside of these times/locations are not possible.

San Juan: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 145 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor.

Lopez: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, 23 Pear Tree Lane.

Orcas: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, 62 Henry Road, Eastsound.