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| Summer 2019, cars lined up for the ferry on State Highway 42. (WIFL photo) |
Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -
Washington Island and its residents have been pleased and proud to welcome visitors for 170 years.
That welcoming attitude may have come to an end with a Town Board meeting, Friday, March 20.
Washington Island greeted spring by holding a meeting with 26 persons present in the Community Center gym, where fifteen or so chairs were set out on the basketball court, six feet apart. Town Chairman Richard Tobey stated a rational argument for protecting Island residents' health by encouraging isolation, and at the same time, expressing concern for the health of anyone who might seek refuge and hospitality within this island's rural setting, now in reality a false refuge some might otherwise perceive as "idyllic."
His concern stems from the Island's lack of sufficient health support and supplies, and the means of treating and testing individuals who may exhibit Coronavirus symptoms. There is a total lack of facilities, beds, etc. in which afflicted patients may be treated. Even our nearest hospital facility, in Sturgeon Bay, would soon find itself taxed beyond their means to provide care, should an outbreak of the virus occur.
Noting that we cannot block entry to Washington Island by ferry, we must continue transportation for necessities of life, yet at the same time reducing all non-essential travel. Tobey noted that "Our Town may be legally challenged later by some. But I do not wish to have the deaths of any resident on my hands should we have a Corona virus outbreak here, having ignored measures reasonable and possible to help stem the spread of that disease."
Those words admittedly reflect this writer's memory in paraphrasing what Chairman Tobey said, as the exact words he spoke, and those comments and questions from audience members, were often inaudible to an otherwise attentive audience, seated within the acoustically-challenged, cavernous gymnasium. Unfortunately, no microphone or amplification was employed.
Following a presentation of the resolution, summarized in slides of the text, Town of Washington Resolution 2020-06 was then passed by unanimous consent: Andersen, Foss, Jorgenson and Tobey voting Aye, Lux being absent, with the vote recorded by Clerk Carpenter.
Tobey then offered to modify a statement in hand made by the Town of Beaver Island, using words and phrasing that echoed the many points already outlined in Washington Island's formal resolution. It is a reader-friendlier version, he noted, minus the Whereas, Wherefore and Therefores. That more readily understandable version is what is reprinted below, in its entirety.
We should not ignore Tobey's comments about how essential certain services are, as will be the health of the people who provide them. He named Mann's Store, the Island Clinic, the Ferry Line, and (following a gentle reminder by Co-op Manager Robert Cornell) the maintenance of our electrical grid by the REA crew.
I've heard expressed over national telecasts recently how isolation brought about by this virus strangely also brings us closer together. We synchronize in our hearts and minds with those we know and love and rely on.
There may be no question that this virus and its aftermath, in community, state and nation, will take its toll. Not yet comprehended, but of equal concern long-term, will be our economic health. How many businesses will survive? Can individuals and families continue to live well? Will daily activities return to normal soon enough to bring about commerce at sustainable levels? Those questions will remain to be answered in the coming weeks and months.
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Following is the Town's "Public Statement regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic" dated March 20, 2020:
To Washington Island full-time residents, seasonal residents, families, businesses, and visitors:
Washington Island should not be considered a “safe haven” for those seeking to avoid the Coronavirus. On the contrary, Coronavirus cases are likely to occur on Washington Island, and the consequences to those on the Island could be more devastating than in mainland locations with greater access to medical resources and supplies. The Island is home to numerous individuals with compromised immune systems, as well as many aging and elderly residents who are at greatest risk.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has now been identified in most areas of the U.S., including northeastern Wisconsin. It is highly contagious, and is especially dangerous to those with compromised immune systems. As a result, health officials are discouraging travel of any kind, and local health providers strongly recommend against travel to Washington Island. Beyond the imminent threat of exposure from those traveling in from other parts of the state and country, the Island lacks the medical resources and facilities necessary to provide care to those who may be affected.
Unfortunately, this will impact the plans of those who normally return to Washington Island in the spring, as well as family members wishing to visit Island relatives, and other visitors. Island residents may encounter a delay in obtaining essential supplies, and travel on or off the Island is discouraged. Our Island businesses and services are forced to take special precautions to limit potential exposure and transmission of illness.
For those with no choice but to travel to Washington Island, including those residing on the Island who leave and plan to return, it is essential to take all of the following precautions for self-isolation:
· Abide by all COVID-19 precautions established by the CDC and other government agencies, as well as the Town Board resolution and transportation companies serving Washington Island.
· Avoid exposure to other persons at the harbor/marina, and all other points of access. Avoid sharing vehicles and/or riding in others’ vehicles, where the virus can easily be transmitted.
· Upon arrival, plan to self-isolate by remaining on your private premises for no fewer than 14 days. Like elsewhere in Wisconsin, our food service establishments are unable to provide dine-in accommodations, by order of the Governor’s Office, until COVID-19 precautions are lifted statewide. At time of this release KK Fiske, Karley’s, and Middle Bar are providing limited take-out and/or delivery service, along with limited hours. Mann’s food store, the Mercantile and Death’s Door Fuel remain open at this time.
· If you have signs or symptoms of flu-like illness, including fever, cough, congestion, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and/or body aches and pains, consult your physician immediately and before any travel. Please do not travel to Washington Island if you have any alternatives whatsoever.
Washington Island Ferry Line has established COVID-19 response plans, and will abide by all recommendations from CDC and local health officials.
Coronavirus testing is available on Washington Island. The Washington Island Clinic will continue to operate. Anyone needing medical attention is asked to call the Clinic first, no walk-ins will be accepted. ALL patients will be evaluated over the phone by the provider with on-site visits scheduled for those with acute illnesses or urgent needs. Testing for COVID-19 is available for those with pertinent symptoms.
If you are returning to the Island, please follow the CDC guidelines and self-isolate for 14 days. After 14 days continue to practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, and avoid non-essential travel.
If you are already on Washington Island and feel that you, or someone else in your family, party or household, are experiencing flu-like symptoms, remain isolated in place (i.e., in your home or cottage) and contact the Clinic for further instructions. Avoid contact with all other persons. If you experience an emergency requiring urgent medical attention and/or are in respiratory distress, call 9-1-1 and alert the dispatcher if anyone in your party or household has flu-like symptoms so that EMS responders can don appropriate personal protective equipment before entering.
Travel and self-isolation precautions will remain in effect for Washington Island until they are lifted statewide by health officials and state government.
We will update this statement periodically as appropriate.
These websites provide guidelines for dealing with the current health emergency:
Washington Island Community Health Program (WICHP) https://www.facebook.com/Washington-Island-Community-Health-Program-WICHP-334806146564241/
National – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2Findex.html
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact:
Richard Tobey, Chairman or
Valerie Carpenter, Clerk
Town of Washington
(920) 847-2522
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- Dick Purinton
1 comment:
The Island is part of my soul and I love it and all it's people, but we who are not residents must respect those that live there year around.
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