If this happen to Seattle and Bellevue?
Mar
21
There are just too many questions.
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CITY OF EVERETT
Mayoral Directive
STAY HOME, PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH
A mayoral directive directing Everett city residents and business owners to stay home and limit their interactions with others in order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
To my fellow residents of Everett, our many families, friends and neighbors: As most of you are undoubtedly aware, on Jan. 21, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was reported right here in the city of Everett. Since then the virus has spread to multiple states around the
nation, Snohomish County has seen a significant increase in confirmed cases. As of today, there are more than 400 confirmed and probable cases in Snohomish County alone and eight deaths.
Statewide there are nearly 1,400 confirmed cases. These are unprecedented times and pose enormous risk not only to our public’s health, but also our economy and quality of life. The virus that causes COVID-19 is easily transmitted, especially in group settings. Preventing the further spread of this disease hinges on every person in Everett reducing their interactions with others, especially those beyond their immediate household. The Snohomish Health District states that “The closer the contact between people – and the more people in a group – the greater the risk of passing along viruses.” Especially at risk are those who have a compromised immune system; are pregnant; have a serious condition such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease; or have a cough, fever, and/or difficulty breathing. People older than 60 are especially vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. It is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect the ability of public and private health care providers to handle the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety.
As a result, I am directing you to take the following precautionary actions, effective noon on Monday, March 23, 2020 and until further notice:
1. Stay home, except for certain essential activities and work to provide essential business and
government services, or perform essential public infrastructure construction. Homeless individuals are not subject to this directive, but are strongly urged to find shelter and government agencies are urged to take steps needed to provide shelter for those individuals.
Essential activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Food and beverage providers offering curbside pick up, delivery, take out or drive-thru services.
Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers.
See the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s comprehensive list of Critical Infrastructure Sectors. 2. Follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention when conducting essential activities and services allowed under #1, above.
These recommendations include the following: (i) maintain at least 6 feet from other individuals, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or use hand sanitizer, cover coughs or sneezes, and do not shake hands; and (ii) perform routine environmental cleaning.
Employers in Everett that do not provide essential businesses or government services should take all steps necessary for employees to work remotely from home to the extent possible.
These are challenging times, and I know the impact of COVID-19 is being felt in every corner of our city. I am terribly concerned for everyone in our community, especially those who are sick or at higher risk of becoming infected, as well as those who have either lost, or are at risk of losing their job or business.
The consequences of this crisis are already deep and severe, and we’re not yet through the worst. I am confident, however, that by coming together as a community and taking reasonable measures to protect one another, we will emerge from this period of time with the same resiliency and strength we have come out of in times of crisis in the past.