Editor’s note: Added some clarity. The numbers in this article are in addition to the four existing cases previously reported.

The number of COIVD-19 cases in the San Juan Islands more than doubled in the past week, bringing the total cases to 10.

On top of the four existing cases from March, two additional cases — one on San Juan and one on Orcas — were reported on April 1, followed by an additional four on April 5. Those four cases included three on Orcas and one on San Juan. One of the San Juan patients is a staff member at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center.

“Our team is monitoring this situation closely and supporting the hospital with all of the resources we can,” San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James said in a press release. “I want to remind residents that though the islands have been doing everything right and people have been taking this situation seriously, these new cases are a warning that the next couple of weeks will be critical in determining how well we weather this storm.”

The COVID-19 cases per island are as a follows: Orcas, six; San Juan, three and Lopez, one.

PIMC is offering mobile COVID-19 testing as ordered by the patient’s PeaceHealth Medical Group provider. To be screened, the patient must be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and their provider must request the testing.

County public health officials interviewed another San Juan Island patient who was identified as a firefighter-emergency medical technician who splits their time between Seattle and San Juan). The patient said they were infected while on shift in Seattle and have been in self-isolation since their return to the islands.

The owners of Lum Farm — Amy and Eric Lum — emailed its customers on April 5 and identified themselves as two of the new patients on Orcas Island.

“We are doing well, had mild symptoms and are quarantined and are staying home for the time being,” Amy Lum wrote. “We are following all the directions from the county health department and our doctors.”

The Lums noted they have kept themselves away from the farmstead while feeling unwell and as a precaution would remain closed until Thursday. Amy Lum added that the farm has been extremely cautious since the onset of the pandemic and has used gloves, masks and other safe handling methods.

“The Department of Health has been working with us to ensure we are following all recommended protocols, and I am confident that we have gone above and beyond,” Amy Lum wrote.

On April 3, San Juan County issued an announcement requesting islanders to restrict off-island trips and to quarantine for 14 days upon return to the islands.

“Island residents have done a great job self-isolating and maintaining social distancing. All that hard work could be erased by a single trip to the mainland,” James said in a press release. “It is proven that continuing social distancing and slowing the spread of this pandemic is directly saving lives.”

For up-to-date case numbers and for more information about what San Juan County is doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the island community, visit http://www.sjccovid.com.