Point Roberts an island after COVID-19 forces border closure to non-essential traffic
A Border Task Force developed by the Whatcom Unified Command is working to make sure Point Roberts residents’ needs are met as the county responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.
The small Whatcom County town suddenly found itself on an island when the U.S. and Canada agreed to temporarily close the border to non-essential traffic in response to coronavirus on Wednesday, April 18.
That announcement meant Point Roberts, a town below the 49th parallel on the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula with a population of 1,314 people, according to the 2010 census, literally got cut off for non-essential travel with water on three sides and a closed Canadian border to the north.
“We are committed to providing the public with thoughtful and accurate information regarding this situation,” Border Task Force Chair Chief Kevin Hester of Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, said in the release.
Included among the concerns the task force is examining, the release said, are:
▪ Making a plan so that Blaine School District lunches can be delivered.
▪ Maintaining public works on Point Roberts.
▪ Getting healthcare workers that either live or work in Point Roberts across the border and to their jobs.
▪ A plan for commercial drivers.
On a Facebook post by the Point Roberts Fire Department, Whatcom County Fire District 5 Chief Christopher Carleton wrote, “I want to ensure you that your fire department is working tirelessly on your behalf to make sure that Point Roberts will continue to receive the needed supplies, medications and other life necessities. We are developing several contingency plans with our partners.”
Carleton wrote that the request was sent to local and state government officials.
The Port of Bellingham made a Facebook post and emailed letters to marina customers Wednesday asking for volunteers to help set up a boat shuttle between Point Roberts and the Blaine Marina, but Joint Information Center spokesperson Claudia Murphy said Whatcom Unified Command is not asking for that help.
“We know people would volunteer out of the goodness of their heart, but please, we do not need that at this time,” Murphy told The Bellingham Herald. “When and if we decide we need that, Whatcom Unified Command will put out an official request.”
The Associated Press reported President Donald Trump tweeted that the restrictions on the Canadian border will not affect the flow of trade between the countries, which are eager to maintain their vital economic relationship. Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports and about 18% of American exports go to Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said travelers will no longer be able permitted to cross the border for recreation or tourism, but that essential travel will continue, according to the Associated Press.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 8:31 AM.
