Closures now include the library. They’ll be closed through the 30th. They are working on plans to make a “take out” service available for books. Townships have issued a joint press release that details what they are doing to respond to COVID-19. All non-essnetial Township meetings have been cancelled. There will be a meeting of the Beaver Island Emergency Services Authority on Thursday at 2 at the Peaine Township Hall. The public is invited to attend by calling in to a conference line. The number is 415-464-6800. Then you’ll need to punch in 49782# for the participant code.
The Health Center has established protocols for responding for patients that may have the virus. There is a separate screening room and a separate entrance will be used. Remember, if you think you may have the virus, you should call the Health Center before coming in and follow their directions. For more tips from our health center pros on what to do, listen to our Beaver Island Perspectives program with them first broadcast on Friday. It’s available as a podcast on W-V-B-I dot net. Just go there and click on the podcasts menu.
Both Island Airways and Fresh Aire are continuing passenger and cargo service for the island. They ask you not to fly, though if you have any symtoms or know you have been exposed.
We understand that Dalwhinnie’s and the Shamrock plan to be open for take out service. They are still working on the hours for Dalwhinnie—but expect service clustered around lunchtime. Shamrock will be open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 7 with a single item on the menu each day. Thursday is a Double Cheeseburger with French fries, Friday a Fish Fry and Saturday their famous Prime Rib. They’ll start taking orders at 4 each of those days. for both and maybe dinner for the Shamrock. Call them for the latest details (and to place your order).
The BIC Center will remain open, but until further advice from the health department, no more than five guests can be in the building at any one time. As a result, all activities have been cancelled, but the center will be available if you need internet access, a PC or a printer. The restrooms will also be available. Small group meetings are OK, too, but you should coordinate those with the front desk. All other activities are cancelled for now, so no Pickleball, no Games Galore or Arthritis Foundation Exercise program. And, no movies for now, though we are working to get a go ahead for those given that this time of year we usually have a limited number in attendance for each show. We’ll keep you posted.
In state news, Michigan’s governor has now banned gatherings of 50 or more people in the state. Ann Arbor and East Lansing police say they will enforce the governor’s ban—those warnings apparently aimed at U of M and Michigan State students who are thinking about Saint Patrick’s day parties. Violators of the order are subject to a misdemeanor that includes up to 90 days in jail and or a fine of up to $200.
The governor has also lifted weight restrictions on cargo trucks to allow more efficient delivery of coronavirus supplies. Meantime, the C-D-C is now recommending against gatherings of more than 10 people, and even for that folks are supposed to stay 6 feet apart.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Michigan still stands at 54, including a person who resides in Charlevoix, but who is being treated down state after returning from an overseas trip. No cases have been reported on the island.