Local agencies gear up for pandemic challenges

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 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, but he is encouraging the county health department to release current testing data so he can better help community members who may have the virus while protecting first-responders. “We are trying to get information securely released so we can help individuals self-isolate and monitor,”

Anyone who has symptoms should take the first step of self-isolating, Carleton said. “We can come in and assess but we have no way of testing to see if its COVID-19 or the flu.” He also emphasized people with chest pain that could be symptoms of a cardiac event should call 911.

Carleton said other contingencies, such as a ferry to Blaine if Canada further restricts movement across the border, had been discussed and were ready to be implemented as necessary. “We have a number of measures we are ready to put in place,” he said, including a collaboration with large property owners and Best Time RV to establish a quarantine location “in case we do have COVID-19 positive community members who need someplace to self-isolate in comfort.”

Whidbey Telecom is also prepared in case they need to leave crews in place on the Point, with bunkhouses and food supplies ready. “If we need to, we can have crews up there and accommodate them safely. In an effort to protect staff from possible infection, the Whidbey Telecom office on Johnson Road is closed to the public but the drive-through is open.

The Point Roberts water district office is also closed but payments can be dropped off or made over the phone. District manager Dan Bourks said he is able to monitor the system remotely as needed and contingencies are in place to handle emergent repairs to the system.

“In a worst case scenario, it is part of our comprehensive plan that the state can come in and run the system,” he said.