Health & Fitness

Mayor Pavone Publishes Coronavirus Update For April 13

Renton Police's own–Sgt. John Awai—is featured in a Seattle Times story on how departments in King County are dealing with coronavirus.

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Press release from the City of Renton:

April 13, 2020

Renton police Sgt. John Awai featured in Times story

Renton Police’s own–Sgt. John Awai—is featured in a Seattle Times story on how departments in King County are dealing with COVID-19. The article follows his 12-hour shift, examining how the sergeant and his colleagues are using social distancing to patrol Renton. Also included is how they’re adjusting to the use of nitrile gloves, plastic safety-type glasses and N95 masks.

Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

One of Sgt. Awai’s comments in the story is representative of the dedication of the entire department. When he was asked if there was any hesitation in going into work during this crisis, he replied, “My first thought is to be there for my guys.” We owe all our first responders a tremendous thank you for their dedication and selflessness. You and I can help them tremendously by going out only when necessary and when we go, practice social distancing and wear a mask.

Flattening the curve

Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Data courtesy of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation – University of Washington.

Encouraging numbers came out over the weekend, showing that Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” executive order and adherence to social distancing has started to slightly flatten the curve on COVID-19 cases in Washington. Modeling provided by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) shows that by continuing to use social distancing, we may be close to the peak. That is indeed good news. But the governor added a warning: IHME modeling also shows that relaxing these guidelines over the next two weeks would bring the virus right back.

I know we’re heading into a week of the best weather of the year, and it’s only natural that you want go outside and enjoy it. If you do, I ask you, please do not congregate in groups of any size. We can stop the spread of COVID-19, but it has to start with every one of us doing our part and being smart.

Remember our parks and trails are open only for walking. The available parking lots, restrooms, playgrounds, sport courts, fields, and other active recreation areas within parks will remain closed until further notice. This includes the skate park. If you use our parks and trails, you are required to follow recommended social distancing, have no group gatherings and use proper hand washing procedures.

If you do see groups violating the governor’s order, I ask that you report them by calling 425-235-2121, our police department’s non-emergency number.

Washington joins Western State Pact

Gov. Inslee joined today with the governors of Oregon and California to form the Western States Pact. The three states are pledging to work together on a shared approach for reopening our economies. Each state will build its own plan, but the plans will include three guiding principles: 1) Residents’ health comes first; 2) Health outcomes and science–not politics–will guide decisions; and 3) The three states will only be effective by working together.

Northwest Harvest food distribution point at Sunset Community Church

Starting Tuesday, Sunset Community Church (1032 Edmonds Ave NE) will serve as a Northwest Harvest food distribution point in the Renton Highlands. It will be a drive-through event to minimize contact and will run from 3-6 p.m. or as long as supplies last.

Anticipating a special session

In anticipation of the governor calling a special legislative session to deal with the state budget, I have asked our administrators to huddle and revisit our legislative priorities. The administrators will develop a priorities list in response to the governor’s recent veto list, the impact COVID-19 has had on the budget and some of our own shifts. Once the list is developed, we will discuss it with our local legislators.

Erasmus turns one

It was exactly one year ago today that Erasmus, our rooftop dragon, was unveiled on top of the Old Western Hotel building. Erasmus (named for Erasmus Smithers, the founder of Renton) was the brainchild of Renton Municipal Arts Commission members Marsha Rollinger and Mitch Shepherd. They felt a dragon was appropriate for Renton since we’re the home of Wizards of the Coast headquarters. Plus Erasmus’ ability to fly would be representative of both the Boeing plant and Renton Municipal Airport. Happy birthday, Erasmus!

Update on city functions

New/updated information is italicized

City Hall

  • City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Most services available via telephone and online.
  • CDC guidelines for screening employees have been implemented. Health screening questions will be asked.
  • Increased frequency for disinfecting common spaces, counters and door handles in all facilities throughout our hours of operation.
  • Created COVID-19 page with links to information and prevention.
  • Enacted a telework policy for eligible employees until further notice.
  • Enacted a prohibition on enforcement of city noise restrictions on vehicles.
  • COVID-19 link added to Renton Responds app.
  • The human resources department is adapting to changes and making decisions to be responsive to COVID-19. We're doing everything to ensure we keep our employees safe and healthy as we continue to serve our customers.
  • Mayor's Emergency Order #2020-3: Supporting State Moratorium On Residential Evictions for Non-Payment of Rent.
  • Don't forget to complete your 2020 Census.
  • Mayors urge residents to follow best practices.
  • March 23 - Mayor’s COVID-19 update to City Council Committee of the Whole.
  • March 24 - City's response to governor's order of "Stay Home, Stay Healthy".
  • March 30 – Mayor’s letter to local businesses.
  • April 1 – City launches senior resources survey.

City Council

Council members will be attending their meetings remotely. Due to security concerns, the video-conference identification number is not being shared publicly. City Hall is closed, so in-person comments will not be accepted; however, residents are encouraged to participate in variety of ways.

  • Residents may submit comments in advance to cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
  • Residents may call 425-430-7171, enter code 0033665# to listen to the proceedings.
  • Residents may view the proceedings live on Renton’s Channel 21.
  • Residents may view the proceedings streaming live at rentonwa.gov/streaming.
  • The City Council will next meet on Monday, April13, at 7 p.m. Committee of the Whole will meet at 6 p.m. and receive a COVID-19 update. The Finance Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m.
  • Videoconference of April 6 Committee of the Whole and regular council meeting.

Donations/Volunteering

Economic Development

  • Small Business Hotline – If you’re a Renton small business owner who needs assistance, please contact the city's Economic Development staff through the Small Business Hotline at (206) 503-1742 or by emailing thrive@rentonwa.gov.
  • Facebook Discussion - It's now more important now than ever that we share resources and information in real time. Join the discussion and follow @RentonBusiness for more updates on resources and opportunities. This group is a networking platform for Renton's small business owners and is meant to be a safe space where business leaders can support each other and help the community thrive again.
  • Renton Business Minute - Take a Renton Minute to get to know the small business community. We will post short interviews with local business owners and entrepreneurs on the Visit Renton YouTube channel. Hear first-hand why they chose Renton! Email us to schedule your interview to be featured in the next Renton Minute.
  • Local lenders eligible to issue loans under PPP - To find a Paycheck Protection Program lender, the SBA recommends contacting current bank or lender to see if they are offering PPP. New banks are coming on board every day. The SBA, has a lenders list by zip code.
  • The Plate Fund - One-time $500 payment to restaurant workers in King County.
  • CED has compiled list of resources for businesses and employers.
  • State Resources: CARES Act, unemployment, paid leave, taxes, worker safety, small businesses & non-profits.
  • Small Business Administration is offering disaster assistance to Washington small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
  • King County Council collected information on unemployment, workers’ comp, rent/mortgage, utilities, student loans, food assistance, insurance & businesses.
  • March 30 – Mayor Pavone’s letter of support to local businesses.
  • April 5 - Boeing extends temporary suspension of Puget Sound production operations.
  • April 7 - Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to assist small businesses (1-10 employees including proprietor).

Facilities/Services

  • The following facilities are closed until further notice: Renton Community Center, Renton Senior Activity Center, Highlands Community Center, North Highlands Community Center and Renton History Museum. City Hall and the shops housing public works, parks and facilities are closed to the public until further notice.
  • Lunch program continues at Senior Activity Center. Seniors (50+) can drive through weekdays and pick up a sack lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Food Banks/Resources

Housing

Inspections - Building and Development Engineering

Community and Economic Development Department (CED) has been receiving questions from homeowners and contractors regarding how the city is interpreting the construction-related provisions of Gov. Inslee’s Stay Home-Stay Healthy Proclamation and related guidance issued by the Governor’s Office.

  • CED has interpreted the governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order to deem new residential and commercial construction as non-essential activities, except that construction of public projects (such as public affordable housing projects) and public components of private projects (such as utilities and streets intended for turnover to the city) are essential activities. Furthermore, CED has interpreted the Stay Home-Stay Healthy order to allow construction related to the order’s list of essential activities including supply chain for goods, services, and healthcare.
  • Under these interpretations, CED will continue its physical inspections associated with the following city-issued permits:
    • Building permits for occupied residential structures necessary to avoid damage or unsafe conditions;
    • Building permits for buildings that are a necessary component of the community’s supply chain for goods, services, and healthcare;
    • Engineering permits for facilities intended to be made part of the city’s public infrastructure. Such facilities include water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utilities intended to be transferred to the city at completion and street improvements intended to be transferred to the city at completion.
  • Although CED will not be performing physical onsite inspections for new unoccupied homes or other projects not falling into the above list, some inspections can be accomplished virtually. If you are interested in more information about virtual inspections, please contact the Building Division: 425-430-7200.
  • These interpretations are valid as of March 30, 2020 under the governor’s guidance in effect as of that date. Please note that these interpretations are subject to change as more information becomes available regarding the efforts to contain COVID-19 or if further guidance is issued by the governor’s office.

Mental Health Resources/Health Care
Mental Health

Additionally, there are also several recommended things you can do to support yourself:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths and stretch, eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excessive alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Health Care

Online Payments

  • Business licenses, pet licenses, courts, tax and licensing and utility bills can all be paid online.
  • Business Licensing & Tax: 425-430-6851; filelocal-wa.gov.

Permitting

  • Permit counter is closed to the public until further notice. Applicants should use online options for payments and tracking applications.
  • Fees and permitting waived for A-frame business signs advertising curbside pick-up.
  • Permitting (General information): 425-430-7200.
  • Schedule an Inspection: Permitting Portal; Building: 425-430-7202; Civil/Site: 425-430-7203.

Public Works

  • The maintenance facility is closed to the public.
  • The Public Works Maintenance Services Division and Transportation Maintenance teams are working a reduced schedule of 10-hour days on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
  • The maintenance facility is closed on Wednesdays to allow for an additional thorough cleaning.
  • To request service or report a problem call 425-430-7400 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • After normal business hours, call Renton Police Department dispatch at 425-430-7500 to request assistance from an on-call representative. If the problem is an emergency, please call 911.
  • Residents can also report issues via the Renton Responds app.
  • 20 MPH flashing school zone beacons are off.
  • The Spring Recycling Event is cancelled and will be rescheduled.
  • June Stop ‘n Swap event has been cancelled. It will return in 2021.
  • Continuity of operations measures initiated to isolate water treatment operators from other employees during work.

Recreation

  • Refunds processing for March and April cancellations.

Open

  • All parks. However, parking lots, restrooms, playgrounds, sport courts, fields, and other active recreation areas within parks, including the skate park are closed until further notice. (March 20)
  • All trails, except two sections of the Cedar River Trail.
  • Boat launch at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (April 8).
  • In both parks and trails, YOU ARE REQUIRED to follow recommended social distancing, NO GROUP GATHERINGS and proper hand washing procedures.

Closed

  • All parking lots, restrooms, playgrounds, sport courts, fields and other active recreation areas within city parks, including the skate park. (3/20)
  • All classes, events and activities until further notice.
  • Registrations through May 4 will be cancelled.
  • Maplewood Golf Course, driving range, pro shop and River Rock Grill until further notice. ABSOLUTELY NO TRESPASSING.

Renton Municipal Airport

  • Offices are closed to the public until further notice. Runway and support services are operational.
  • General information available on website or by calling 425-430-7471 (administration) or 206-423-3715 (maintenance).

Renton Municipal Court

  • Courts are closed until further notice and staff is working remotely.
  • In-custody court hearings are no longer being held at City Hall.
  • Jail Calendar is heard via video conference with prosecutors and public defenders.
  • Work is on-going to conduct Domestic Violence No Contact Order Recalls.
  • Jury service and passport service is suspended until at least April 27.
  • Continuing all non-essential hearings until further notice.

Renton Police Department

  • If you suspect a business is in violation of the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, the state has an online reporting form. If report is about an individual or private group, use the police department’s non-emergency number 425-235-2121.
  • March 27 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey: "our role is to help educate".
  • March 23 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey on governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy".
  • March 20 - Message from Chief Ed VanValey.
  • March 13 - Chief Ed VanValey updates procedures.
  • Department lobby and walk up window at city hall are closed.
  • Only use 911 for emergencies; non-emergency reporting: 425-235-2121.
  • School zone cameras turned off.
  • File a police report online.

Renton Regional Fire Authority

Renton School District/Education

Republic Services

  • Republic Services has put into effect new temporary guidelines for waste collection procedures in the interest of safety for both the public and their drivers. All recycling and organics materials must be placed in a cart or can; any loose, bundled, or bagged items outside of a cart or can will not be collected. Extra garbage must be placed in a cart, can, or secured in bags. Bulky waste collection and Clean Sweep collections are suspended until further notice. All collection routes are on normal schedule. Questions? Contact Republic Services at 206-777-6440.
  • Republic Services will waive late fees and penalties and will not activate any service suspensions for a period of 90 days. (March 23)
  • Businesses with solid waste accounts and operating during “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” can call Republic Services at 206-777-6440 to request any necessary service changes including increased/decreased container size or increased/decreased frequency of service. The city's mandatory garbage code requires at least the minimum level of service (20-gallon cart) and one collection per week.
  • Businesses with solid waste accounts and temporarily closed as a result of COVID-19 can contact Republic Services at 206-777-6440 to request a temporary hold on their account. No service will be provided during the temporary hold and businesses MUST NOT place any garbage or recyclables in their containers during the period that the account is on hold, as this could result in a public health problem. All COVID-19 holds will be reinstated to normal collection once “Stay Home, Stay Healthy “ order is lifted.
  • Any service level change, including COVID-19 holds due to temporary closure of business, will be shown as adjustments on the solid waste bill.

Restaurants

  • Restaurants open for take-out/delivery:

Shelters
Men’s Shelters & Day Centers

ARISE
Catholic Community Services. Hosted by a different Renton church every month. Includes case management services.

  • Space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Overnight services from 7:30 p.m.-7:30 a.m. Men allowed on-site at 7 p.m.
  • 515B 116th Ave NE
    Bellevue, WA 98004
    (425) 289-4044

Day Center
Resource referrals, showers, laundry, meals. Open Sunday – Thursday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • 515B 116th Ave NE Suite 174
    Bellevue, WA 98004
    Women’s Shelters & Day Centers

Women's Shelters and Day Centers

Kent Hope
Resource referrals, showers, laundry, meals, healthcare. Open every day 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

  • 9009 Canyon Drive
    Kent, WA 98030
    (253) 480-2325

The Sophia Way
Apply for extended stay shelter online.
Resource referrals, showers, laundry, breakfast/lunch. Open every day 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • 3032 Bellevue Way NE
    Bellevue, WA 98004
    (425) 896-7385

Women’s Referral Center
Check in at Angeline’s Day Center between 6-9 p.m. then transported to host locations for overnight stay. The Center offers showers, laundry, and dinner.

  • 2030 3rd Ave.
    Seattle, WA 98101
    (206) 441-3210

Hospitality House
Opens at 6 p.m. every night.

  • 419 SW 150th St.
    Burien, Washington 98166
    (206) 242-1860

Family Shelters & Day Centers

REACH
All for shelter/day center intake.

  • 316 S 3rd St,
    Renton, WA 98057
    (425) 277-7594

Center of Hope Day Center
Resource referrals, showers, laundry. Open Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Renton City Hall
    1055 S Grady Way
    Renton, WA 98057

Effective April 6: REACH Center of Hope is relocating to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. NE. They will be there through the end of May.

Mary’s Place
Call 206-245-1026 for shelter referrals.

Transportation

  • March 30 - Interactive tool for riders whose routes experienced service cuts.
  • March 29 - If your route was cut on March 23, are some alternative routes to consider
  • March 21 – Sound Transit service change includes new route, temporary service reductions.
  • March 20 – Sounds Transit to suspend fares on all transit modes until further notice.
  • March 19 - Sound Transit to temporarily reduce service on Link light rail, Sounder trains, some ST Express routes.
  • March 18 - Metro plans to temporarily reduce service starting Monday, March 23 to support the health of the community.

Utilities

  • City will waive late fees and penalties and will not shut off water service for a period of 90 days. (March 23)
  • Questions? Utility billing division: 425-430-6852; ub@rentonwa.gov.
  • Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will not disconnect customers for non-payment, will waive late fees and work on payment plans and choosing a new bill due date. PSE has an energy assistance portal to facilitate access to funds available to income qualified customers.

King County

  • March 31 – County Council approves $2.2 million for emergency childcare for first responders and other essential workers during COVID-19 crisis.
  • March 30 - King County postpones payment deadline to June 1 for individual property taxpayers who pay property taxes themselves, rather than through their mortgage lender.
  • Don't flush trash - Wipes, paper towels, and other "unflushables" can create a sewer backup in your home. Flush only toilet paper and protect your home, the sewer system, and the environment.
  • March 24 - King County releases new health and safety guidelines to child care providers.
  • COVID-19 Resources from King County.
  • Public Health - Seattle & King County
  • COVID-19 resources. Information in multiple languages.
  • Public Health Insider: official insights from staff.
  • COVID-19 Data Dashboard
  • King County Veterans Program COVID-19 information.
  • King County press releases

State of Washington

  • April 13 – Governor issues protection for high-risk workers.
  • April 13 - Washington, Oregon and California announce Western States Pact.
  • April 13 – Governor announces strategies for reducing the number of individuals incarcerated to address CoVID-19 in DOC system.
  • April 8 - Governor's statement on Century Link field hospital redeployment.
  • April 8 – Governor provides additional guidance on school closures and impact on available services.
  • April 7 - Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to assist small businesses (1-10 employees including proprietor). The grant program will provide a limited number of businesses with emergency funds of up to $10,000.
  • April 3 - Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings from Department of Health.
  • April 1 - The state is seeking to fill shortages of specific personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection-control products to support our medical system, first responders, public health and care facilities.
  • April 1 – Governor issues additional guidance on the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order related to essential businesses. It clarifies as “essential” nannies (who are deemed essential if they are in the home taking care of children of essential workers), automotive repair facilities and limited automotive sales and leasing activities, and renewable energies. The bulletin also includes guidance that recreational fishing and golf are NOT deemed essential.
  • March 31 – Governor and Washington State Department of Financial Institutions announce assistance for homeowners unable to make mortgage payments.
  • March 30 - Department of Licensing is temporarily closing all driver licensing lobbies on March 31.
  • March 30 – The state has set up an online form to report non-essential businesses that violate the governor’s Stay Home-Stay Health order.
  • March 27 - Governor welcomes Army doctors to field hospital in Seattle.
  • March 23 - Governor announces a stay at home order, banning all gatherings and closing all but those businesses classified by the Federal guidelines as essential. The ban will take effect on March 25 and be in place for a minimum of two weeks. The governor indicated the order is voluntary in nature, it is enforceable by law. Resident will be able to conduct essential business (shopping, doctor’s appointments) and restaurants cans still conduct business via to-go orders. [Spanish]
  • March 19 – Governor orders halt to elective surgeries and dental services to reserve critical equipment for COVID-19 health care workers.
  • March 18 – Governor waives one-week wait for unemployment benefits.
  • March 17 - Governor signs bill package to support state effort combating the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • March 16 - Governor issues statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and limits on size of gatherings expanded.
  • March 13 - Governor expands school closure/gathering ban statewide.
  • Governor's press releases.

"Stay Home, Stay Healthy"

"Stay Home, Stay Healthy" is the governor's order asking all residents to stay indoors. Originally issued on March 23, for two weeks, it was extended through May 4 on April 2.

Here’s what’s allowed under the order. Please remember to keep at least six feet apart.

  • Grocery shopping
  • Ordering restaurant takeout or to-go
  • Medical appointments and pharmacy pickup
  • Walking, running, biking and gardening
  • Going to gas stations, food banks, banks and laundromats
  • Going to work if your job is part of essential businesses
  • Funerals only if at a funeral home or at cemetery gravesides. Only immediate family members of the deceased can attend and proper social distancing must be maintained.

What is not allowed:

  • Attending weddings or religious services
  • Attending or playing in sports games and practices
  • Participating in any in-person leisure, hobby or social clubs
  • Going to concerts, festivals, parades, theaters, museums, art galleries or fundraisers
  • Working out at a gym or fitness center
  • Going to barbers, nail salons or tattoo parlors

If you suspect a business is in violation of the governor’s order, the state has an online reporting form. If report is about an individual or private group, use the police department’s non-emergency number 425-235-2121. In either instance, do not call 911.

Federal

  • April 3 - CDC recommendation regarding the use of cloth face coverings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
  • WHO - When and how to use masks (World Health Organization).
  • March 27 - Congress passes CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion federal stimulus package to aid coronavirus relied and economic stimulus.
  • March 22 – President approves Washington disaster declaration.
  • coronavirus.gov

Important Links

Information for Businesses and Employees

For Businesses

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Financial Resources

Feedback

Comments, questions or suggestions, or just want to share all the great things that are happening in the city, please email me. Thanks for reading.

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This press release was produced by the City of Renton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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