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Enjoy Orcas Island … With Care

The safety of the Orcas island community and our visitors are our highest priority. If you want to ask the Chamber a question about possibly visiting the island we ask that you email us rather than call, due to our limited in-office hours. Our email is: info@orcasislandchamber.com.

Update Monday, November 16:
Prompted by the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus Governor Jay Inslee announced a statewide set of restrictions, effective Monday, November 16 at 11:59 pm. Limitations have been put on indoor social gatherings, restaurants and bars, retail locations, religious services, fitness facilities and gyms, entertainment and other locations. Read more here. Note that the limitations on restaurants go into effect on Wednesday, November 18 at 12:01 am. An outline of restrictions is found here.

Visiting & Staying on Orcas Island
We are currently in Phase 2 of “Safe Start.” On May 23 San Juan County moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s 4 Phase plan. (note that some elements of Phase 2 are superseded by the November 16 update above.) On September 10 our County Health Officer issued a new order allowing lodgings to book at 100% capacity (order found here). The details of San Juan County’s COVID-19 status  is found HERE on the San Juan County website.

Face Covering Health Order
In Phase 2, the wearing of face coverings is mandatory inside businesses, and when a 6-foot social distance may not be maintained outdoors. Find face-covering FAQs, HERE.

The Chamber continues to support our island’s small business community. You can review our Business Update web page here, and support businesses listed on the OrcasStrong website.

If you are visiting Orcas Island we urge you to frequently wash or sanitize your hands, avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes, and practice social distancing as outlined by the CDC and WA State Health. If ferry travel is how you are visiting Orcas, please observe social distancing and mask use. Please find additional guidelines and local information about COVID-19 on the San Juan County website, HERE.

We will continue to monitor the situation as we work together with state and county officials to protect the people and places we love. We wish everyone health and wellness.

If you have any questions about Orcas Island, please email our office with your questions. We will get past this. #OrcasStrong

Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce Staff and Board

BUSINESS UPDATES

Click here for a list of Chamber member businesses and organizations, and their status during the current COVID-19 health crisis.

Updates from the Chamber

In this difficult time the Chamber of Commerce will publish updates about the island’s businesses and organizations in our bi-weekly Newsletter. Updated on Mondays and Thursdays, the Chamber’s twice-weekly Newsletter can be accessed here, Monday, November 23 and Thursday, (no edition on Thanksgiving), gives you a snapshot of the news on the island. Sign up here.

We will also update our Dining Guide to indicate which dining establishments are offering take-out food, or provide delivery. Please check back regularly as the options may change. Be sure to refresh your browser for the most current Dining Guide.

ferry-linkTaking a ferry to Orcas Island?

As a reminder, the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order is still in effect. Travelers are advised to observe social distancing by remaining in their vehicles whenever possible. On some sailings, the number of walk-on passengers may be restricted so that riders can maintain physical distance.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Washingtonians safe and healthy during this challenging time.

The current schedule is found here. Send us an Email if you have any questions. To learn all about the ferry system and make a reservation, you can click on this link: Ferry Reservations.