On Monday, March 23, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (EO 2020-21). For at least the next three weeks, all Michigan businesses and operations must temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life, and all Michiganders must stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity (while practicing proper social distancing), or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their families, like going to the hospital or grocery store.
Following these guidelines is essential on Beaver Island if we hope to decrease the possible negative impact of this looming health emergency. Michigan is 5th in the number of coronavirus cases in the United States as of March 25, 2020. Each person and each family must consider for themselves the best routines to restrict their exposure to others.
The Island’s public and private service providers have done an excellent job of setting up protocols and providing essential services while protecting the population. Both airlines are taking strict safety precautions and are following all directives for the FAA and other regulatory agencies. A summary of current services is being developed to provide relevant information in one location and will be posted to the website soon.
The COVID-19 Leadership Team is monitoring what is going on locally and beyond and to understand and react to issues that will affect the Island. The team consists of township supervisors Bill Kohls and Kitty McNamara, BI EMS Director Cody Randall, BI Rural Health Center Director Tammy Radionoff and BIESA member Bob Turner. The team is meeting via conference call when necessary.
The township supervisors are in direct contact with Megan Anderson, Director, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security. Megan has initiated regional Emergency Operations Calls three times per week. At least two members of the Beaver Island COVID-19 Leadership Team will attend these conference calls to keep abreast of what is happening in northern Michigan.
The Beaver Island Rural Health Center is developing a preliminary list of Beaver Island residents with current or recent health care skills. If you have a medical background and are willing to help out if needed, please email Tammy Radionoff with a summary of your, medical background and skills, contact information and your availability to assist if needed. tammyr@biruralhealth.org<mailto:tammyr@biruralhealth.org>
New Arrivals to Beaver Island should self-quarantine for 14 days
For updated information click on the “Coronavirus 19” Link on either township’s homepage: www.peainetwp.org/ www.stjamestwp.org/
Kathleen McNamara, Supervisor St James Township Phone: 231.448.2014 mcnamara.stjamestwp.bi@gmail.com<mailto:mcnamara.stjamestwp.bi@gmail.com>
William Kohls, Supervisor Peaine Township Phone: 231.448.2389 peainetownship@gmail.com<mailto:peainetownship@gmail.com>