| Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan are now at 65 with new ones in Otsego and Grand Traverse county up north. Closures on the island now include the library and soon, Power’s Hardware.. The library will be closed through the 30th. They are working on plans to make a “take out” service available for books. Power’s is open for curbside service through 3 pm on the 21st. Then, they will be closed until further notice.
Townships have issued a joint press release that details what they are doing to respond to COVID-19. All non-essential 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.
C-O-A office is open for now and director Kathy Ehinger is available to help you with errands if you are a senior concerned about going out. Just give her a call at the office at 448-2124 or after hours on her cell phone at 231-620-5199.
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 at 2275 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 Air are continuing passenger and cargo service for the island. They ask you not to fly, though if you have any symptoms or know you have been exposed.
Dalwhinnie’s and the Shamrock plan to be open for take out service. Dalwhinnie’s service is clustered around lunchtime from 10 to 1 Wednesday through Sunday with a limited menu-but they are trying to accommodate special requests. Shamrock will be open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 7 with a single item on the menu each day. Call the restaurants for 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. All of this is subject to change of course. We’ll keep you posted.
In state news, Michigan’s governor has now banned gatherings of 50 or more people in the state. 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. She says additional closure orders and bans are possible, but for now golf courses get to remain open SO, in this frustrating time, you can go play a frustrating game. |
