BEAVER ISLAND, MI - One of Michigan’s most remote islands is cautioning people that it should not be considered a “safe haven” for those seeking to stay away from the spreading threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Beaver Island’s Emergency Services Authority issued a statement on Friday to not only its full-time and seasonal residents, but also to any visitors who might be considering a trip to the island, which sits in Lake Michigan about 27 miles offshore from Charlevoix in Northern Michigan.

It mirrored a statement Bois Blanc island in Lake Huron issued last week. Mackinac Island has also issued a notice on its website, saying that city officials are not advising travel to the island during this time due to the spread of COVID-19, and that all its restaurants, hotels, stores and retail shops are “either closed or currently not available to the visiting public.”

Beaver Island issued the most strongly-worded explanation against travel.

“Coronavirus cases are likely to occur on Beaver Island, and the consequences to those on the Island could be more devastating than in mainland locations with access to medical resources and supplies. The Island is home to numerous individuals with compromised immune systems, as well as many aging and elderly residents who are at greatest risk,” said the statement, which was issued by both Kathleen McNamara, the St. James Township supervisor, and William Kohls, the Peaine Township supervisor. Beaver Island and its surrounding archipelago are made up of the two townships.

They want people to know that any travel to Beaver Island is being discouraged by health care providers right now. “Beyond the imminent threat of exposure from those traveling in from other parts of the state and country, the Island lacks the medical resources and facilities necessary to provide care to those who may be affected," their statement said.

“Unfortunately, this will impact the plans of those who normally return to Beaver Island in the spring, as well as family members wishing to visit Island relatives, and other visitors. Island residents may encounter a delay in obtaining essential supplies, and travel on or off the Island is discouraged.”

Beaver Island sits nearly 30 miles off the coast of Charlevoix. Image courtesy of Google Maps.

Beaver Island has about 600 year-round residents, but the population swells during the summer with tourists and annual visitors who love roaming the downtown area as well as the miles of wild shoreline.

For those who own a home there and plan to catch a flight to the island - or for those island residents who leave to make a trip to the mainland and then come back to the island, authorities are saying it is essential that they make plans to self-quarantine in their own home for at least 14 days before venturing out into Beaver Island’s community. Other rules they are being asked to follow include:

•Abide by all COVID-19 precautions established by charter and commercial transportation companies serving Beaver Island.

•Avoid exposure to other persons at the airports, harbor/marina, and all other points of access.

•Avoid sharing vehicles and/or riding in others’ vehicles, where the virus can easily be transmitted.

•Upon arrival, please plan to self-isolate by remaining on your private premises for no fewer than 14 days.

Transportation companies that serve the island have COVID-19 response plans in place, authorities said. While the island ferry is not yet running passenger routes this early in the season, people are traveling there by plane. Aviation companies that serve the island have said they are following CDC recommendations, and are offering flights with increased personal spacing if people want to make special arrangements for that.

Island grocers, gas stations and others that deal in essential services have already switched to curbside and remote services, in some cases allowing the islanders to put items on their “house accounts” to keep from hand-to-hand exchanges of cash and credit cards.

Bois Blanc, the large island that sits just south of Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, issued a similar order last week. You can read the Facebook message below.

Bois Blanc Island Fire/EMS Team and Health Committee Public Statement regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Last... Posted by Bois Blanc Island Fire Department on Wednesday, March 18, 2020

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

Complete coverage of coronavirus in Michigan.

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