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Potential coronavirus cluster at Whidbey care facility

Posted in coronavirus updates, tagged , , , on March 23, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Island County Public Health is investigating a potential cluster of COVID-19 cases associated with a long-term care facility on Whidbey Island.

A press release issued Monday:

Two cases have been confirmed and test results are pending for other residents and employees.

These cases are the first confirmed cases associated with a long-term care facility in Island County.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are now spread widely throughout Island County.

All residents must take urgent action to help minimize the health impacts of COVID-19.

Mandates and public health recommendations apply to our entire community, in all locations, on both Camano and Whidbey Islands.

Everyone should assume that anyone they come into contact with could have COVID-19.

Limit movement outside the home to essential activities only.

All citizens should take appropriate cautions to limit public contact.

Everyone’s cooperation on social distancing is needed in order to preserve critical healthcare resources.

If too many people are sick all at once, there will not be enough medical resources to go around.

The healthcare system is planning for surge capacity, but that plan is dependent on us staying home now.

Anyone who has been exposed to a confirmed case should quarantine themselves at home for 14 days.

People experiencing symptoms need to stay at home for at least 3 days after their symptoms resolve or at a minimum 7 days, whichever is longer.

 

For further news:

https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

 

UPDATE: Island County Public Health identified the facility as Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville. 

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Race the Reserve in limbo

Posted in Running, tagged , , , , on March 21, 2020| Leave a Comment »

To race or not to race? That is the question.

As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the world, sporting events continue to fall off the schedule.

For now, at least, this summer’s edition of Race the Reserve remains as a possibility.

The event, which features a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and marathon relay, is set for August 8.

It’s a major fundraiser, with proceeds going to provide a safe and sober graduation night celebration for Coupeville High School.

Event organizers issued a statement Saturday saying they will make a decision on the viability of the event by July 1.

“We are very aware of the health concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus,” the statement said. “While we don’t want to spread fear, we also want to be responsible.

“Local and national information changes daily, and is being monitored very closely. We are grateful to have more time for planning ahead than some other events have had.

“It is heartbreaking to know so many of our friends around the world and at home are suffering from illness and economic hardship. It is important to us to contribute to the solution and not the problem.”

If the virus is declining by July 1, organizers plan to hold Race the Reserve as planned, with participants receiving a shirt, medal, race support, and official chip time on a USATF-sanctioned course.

But, if things are the same or worse at that time, the event will be cancelled.

In that case, organizers would design a virtual running event to replace the live one, and will determine the best way to distribute medals and shirts.

There is normally a push to have people register as early as possible, but runners are being cautioned that they can wait this year.

“If you are not comfortable with these possibilities, please don’t register until after July 1st,” organizers said.

“We are all in this together. Thank you for your patience as we work for the best outcomes, given our circumstances.”

 

For updates, check:

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Island County records first COVID-19 death

Posted in coronavirus updates, tagged , , , on March 19, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Island County recorded its first COVID-19 related death Thursday.

The woman, who was in her early 90’s and had underlying health conditions, passed away at home.

As of Thursday, Island County Public Health has 17 confirmed positive cases.

With the novel coronavirus wide-spread, all residents are urged to take action to help minimize the spread of the disease.

**Events with 50 people or more are prohibited.

**Events with fewer than 50 people are prohibited unless event organizers observe the COVID-19 prevention measures outlined by the Centers for Disease Control.

**Mandated temporary closure of restaurants (except take-out and delivery services), bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities.

**Close contact with others should be limited as much as possible.

**Individuals at-risk for severe illness should stay at home.

 

For updates, see:

https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

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Spring sports remain in limbo

Posted in coronavirus updates, tagged , , , , on March 17, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Coupeville athletes and coaches such as Randy King are sidelined. (Brian Vick photo)

Control what you can control.

With that in mind, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association issued a statement Tuesday in regards to spring sports during the battle to blunt the spread of coronavirus.

There were two primary take-aways.

One, if school closures across the state do end April 24, as is currently planned, the WIAA intends to hold its state championship events as scheduled.

But, any further delays “could put the state championships in jeopardy, as no championships will be held after May 30 to avoid conflicts with graduation.”

If students are allowed to return to class, the first day sports could start back up would be April 27, but all athletes would have to re-do the 10 practices they need to be eligible to compete.

“No matter the outcome of the following weeks, there will be no reduction to the minimum number of practices required to compete,” the WIAA said in its statement.

However, the organization would offer a blanket waiver, allowing athletes to reach 10 practices in five days, instead of the normal 10.

“As an example, administrators could hold a schoolwide conditioning practice before classes and sport-specific practices in the afternoon as a way to reach 10 practices efficiently and safely,” the WIAA said.

If sports do return April 27, games could begin the first week of May.

Even then, seasons would have to be compressed, especially in team sports, as there wouldn’t be enough time to play complete schedules.

One option which has been raised is having team sports such as baseball and softball immediately open play with a league tournament to decide postseason berths.

The losing teams would then pair off and play regular season games, and the WIAA would grant all schools the ability to continue play through May 30.

Nothing has been decided, however.

During the six-week shutdown, coaches are not allowed to work with athletes, teams are not allowed to practice together, and the WIAA is putting an emphasis on school leaders standing firm and honoring restrictions placed by Governor Jay Inslee.

 

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Whidbey Island Marathon postponed

Posted in coronavirus updates, Running, tagged , , , , , on March 16, 2020| Leave a Comment »

The Whidbey Island Marathon, scheduled for April 19, has been postponed.

The move was announced Monday.

The official release:

Greetings –

The Whidbey Island Marathon has always prized itself on showcasing the natural beauty of Whidbey Island while promoting an engaging, healthy lifestyle that brings our community together.

Additionally, Marathon Weekend brings thousands of visitors to support our local hotels, restaurants, stores and other small businesses in Oak Harbor and throughout Whidbey Island.

With the safety of our runners, residents, businesses, and visitors foremost in mind – Due to COVID-19 and the state mandates on crowd size limitations, the 2020 Whidbey Island Marathon will be postponed to a later date this year.

We are currently working with our event partners, city agencies, state parks and WSDOT to determine a new date.

The safety of all residents, participants, volunteers, sponsors and race officials is paramount and we appreciate your understanding while we navigate this challenging situation.

Once a rescheduled date has been set – we will reach out with the different options available for deferrals, rescheduling and more detailed instructions.

Please allow us some time working with our partners to get these plans in place so we can provide you with specific, detailed information.

We know you’ve been training hard to accomplish your goals and we wish we could see you at the finish line next month, but the safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators and residents is of utmost importance.

Please stay safe, practice social distancing, wash your hands and of course…KEEP RUNNING!

Don’t let this event or any other event being paused be the downfall of the training you’ve already put in.

Get outside, continue to train, keep achieving your fitness goals and stay healthy.

Share your accomplishments, stories and pictures with our running community.

We will see you soon runners!

– The City of Oak Harbor & The Fizz Events Race Team

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