April 2020
IN THIS
ISSUE
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Businesses adjust to border closure, page 6
Clinic sets new patient protocols, page 7
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Covid-19 updates from around the region, page 8
Point Roberts, WA 98281 Postal Patron Local
County Covid-19 cases still going up By Oliver Lazenby The Whatcom County Health Department reported 86 confirmed cases and four deaths from the new coronavirus at its noon update on March 26. That’s an increase in 20 confirmed cases and two deaths from the previous day’s numbers. The deceased individuals were both in their 90s; one was a resident at Shuksan Healthcare Center in Bellingham and the other was previously a resident of Summit Place Assisted Living, also in Bellingham, but died in the hospital. The United States is on track to become the global epicenter of the new coronavirus, with 68,440 total confirmed cases as of March 26, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. added nearly 15,000 cases from the previous day and some analysts expect the U.S. to surpass China and Italy in total confirmed cases within 24 hours. China and Italy had 81,782 and 74,386, respectively, as of March 26, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Globally, Johns Hopkins reported 495,086 confirmed cases and 22,295 deaths. The Washington State Department of Health reported 2,580 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 132 deaths as of March 25. Though the Puget Sound region was an early national epicenter, New York had more than 37,000 confirmed cases on March 26. As of 3 p.m. on March 5, B.C. had (See Covid-19, page 3)
s Adapting to the new social distancing, customers of Saltwater Cafe wait outside until staff, wearing protective gloves, deliver their takeout orders to an outside table. See what businesses are doing to cope with changed circumstances, page 6. Photo by Louise Mugar
Local agencies gear up for pandemic challenges By Meg Olson With hopes the COVID-19 epidemic does not escalate in Point Roberts the way it has in denser population centers, local service providers are still making sure they have plans in place for a worst-case scenario. “I want the community to know we are doing whatever is necessary to make sure
they have what they need,” said fire chief Christopher Carleton. Carleton has been working with county emergency management and members of the cross border task force to ensure that essential personnel can get to the Point, including utilities and backup equipment in case of a water main break. Essential trade and commerce to keep businesses like the Point Roberts Marketplace, gas stations
Whidbey Telecom looking for fiber optic grant By
Meg Olson
Whidbey Telecom is developing a strategy to bring fiber optic infrastructure and gigabit-powered internet service to Point Roberts, but they need help from the community in making the case for grant funding to fast-track the project. “We have big plans for Point Roberts,” said chief operating officer Donna Hilty. “We’re investing in an ambitious project to replace all of our network with fiber.”
The project started in fall 2018 installing a gigabit-capable fiber optic network to serve the business core along Gulf Road and Tyee Drive and essential community services like the fire station, the community center and the new library. “The service is rock solid and it is fast,” said marketing director Martha Ford. Expanding the service to the rest of Point Roberts is part of Whidbey Telecom’s long-range planning, but could be expedited if they are able to access grant funding
through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA Broadband ReConnect program furnishes grants and loans to improve connectivity in rural or isolated areas. Hilty said the company was applying for funds in 2020. “If we are able to land the grant it will be a shot in the arm that would allow us to move forward more quickly,” she said. With grant funding,
and Nielson’s Building Center stocked, as well as the local clinic and food bank operating, was also being secured, he said. There has not been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Point Roberts, Carleton said, (See Challenges, page 3)
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Church ............................................. 11 Classifieds ......................................... 12 Coming Up ....................................... 14 Obituaries ......................................... 13 Opinion ............................................... 4 Sheriff’s ............................................ 15 Tides ................................................. 13
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