COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 community update, released December 2, 2020
COVID-19 Guidance from Northern Light Health
Advice for the entire community to stop the spread of COVID-19
We can only stop the spread of COVID-19 if we all work together. The first thing you need to do is buy into the idea that you too have a role to play in saving lives and keeping your community safe. Try to stay at home as much as possible. If we pull together, we can stop the outbreak on the Island in 2-3 weeks.
Over 40% of the time, the virus is spread by people who do not know they have it or do not feel sick. Even if you feel fine you can be a danger to others if you are carrying the virus. And even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk, and your activities can increase the risk for others.
Follow the 3 C’s: avoid Closed spaces, Crowded places, and Close contacts. Work or engage in
schooling from home whenever possible. Avoiding social gatherings is a must for now. Bars, churches,
and indoor athletics are particular risks for infection clusters. If you need to leave your home or gather
with others, try to stay outdoors, sit or stand six feet apart, and, above all else, everyone should
wear a mask.
When possible, use drive-through, pickup or delivery options. Don’t visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently-used item or surface. Don’t touch your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow. Disinfect frequently-used items and surfaces as much as possible.
Exposure and Testing
An exposure occurs when you had close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour
period) with a COVID-19 case while they were symptomatic or within 48 hours before their symptoms
started. Forms of exposure include: living with someone who feels fine but tested positive, providing care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19, having direct physical contact like hugging or kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils or being sneezed on, coughed on or otherwise exposed to respiratory droplets.
Getting tested 5-14 days after your exposure provides the most accurate picture of whether you have
COVID-19. A negative test doesn’t remove quarantine requirements. You still need to remain at home for
14 days in case your test was a false negative.
What does it mean to Quarantine?
People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health and follow directions from their state or local health department. Staying home really does mean staying home, not going to stores, work or even drive-through windows. Have outside friends/neighbors/family drop the things you need off outside of your home. Call your primary care doctor’s office if you have any
questions or concerns.
If you all follow this advice, you can save your life, the lives of your loved ones and the lives of perfect strangers.
The most up-to-date resources related to the pandemic
For health updates, please visit the Centers for Disease Control:
For local updates on Island events, businesses, community resources, and government please visit:
To support the work being done in our community related to COVID-19 and other health and wellness initiatives, please donate to Island Health & Wellness Foundation today.
Support the Island Health & Wellness Foundation
Island Health & WEllness Foundation
Our Mission
To identify and advocate for the health and wellness needs of Deer Isle-Stonington; provide financial support, guidance, and encouragement to local health and wellness organizations; and maintain the Island Medical Center for the provision of health and dental care.
areas of impact

We ensure local medical & dental facilities remain in operation for the Deer Isle-Stonington community to access. We also work to properly staff those facilities, subsidizing salaries to stay competitive with the rest of the state’s workforce and funding continuing education opportunities.

We fund health & wellness initiatives to benefit the local population. Whether it’s offering free Baby Welcome Bags at newborn medical appointments, helping to purchase a new ambulance to improve emergency response, or providing financial support to nonprofit programming, we are always looking for ways to improve the health offerings on Deer Isle-Stonington.

We aim to be a catalyst of information for Deer Isle-Stonington residents. We work with local news outlets and within the schools to spread health education. By bringing a variety of nonprofits together, we facilitate collaboration that deepens the overall impact of health & wellness programs.

since 1969
Island Medical Center
On May 24, 1966, a group of concerned citizens came together to advance the idea of a medical center that would provide year-round primary healthcare for the Deer Isle-Stonington community. The facility was built in 1969 and The Island Health & Wellness Foundation has ensured practitioners have an affordable, well-maintained space to provide medical & dental services to the island ever since.
Executive director
Meet Anne West
“Quality healthcare involves a combination of providers and specialists. When we add travel, busy schedules, complex family and societal dynamics, and a workforce shortage, the barriers might seem insurmountable. That’s where Island Health & Wellness Foundation comes in. We are committed to creating an Island where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.”

20+
Health & Wellness Programs funded
$79k
to support nonprofit Programs last year
18K
annual medical center appointments
$150k
Dedicated to Provider retention
The latest from IH&WF:
Just For The Health Of It Episode 11: Marnie Crowell, Brain Injury Survivor and Thriver
How did Marnie Crowell end up as the island’s first LifeFlight patient? Following her injury, what has helped her to lead a life filled with caring, compassion, service and positivity? What is Surimono and how does this art form play a part in Marnie’s work? What is Marnie’s biggest wish? You don’t want to miss this episode-at the end you will emerge with a new appreciation for the healing powers of nature and the human brain!
Just For The Health Of It Episode 10: Jo Cooper, Executive Director of Friends in Action
What services does Friends in Action provide to the Deer Isle-Stonington community? How do I sign up for transportation services? How do I volunteer with Friends in Action? Why is a ride so much more than just getting from Point A to Point B? I talk about this and much, much more in my conversation with Jo Cooper, Executive Director Friends in Action.
Read about the latest from Island Health & Wellness Foundation.
From blog posts to press releases to upcoming events, stay up-to-date on the latest in local, health-related news.
Would you like to stay up to date on what’s happening at the Island Medical Center? We’d love to add you to our email list.

Island Health & Wellness Foundation
354 Airport Rd, Stonington, Maine 04681
P.O. Box 654, Deer Isle, Maine 04627
Contact:
207-367-5851
ihwf1966@gmail.com
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