Health & Fitness

Mayor Pavone Publishes Coronavirus Update For April 17

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is leading the way by setting aside $250 million for research and manufacturing.

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Press release from the City of Renton:

April 17, 2020

Mayor Armondo Pavone was interviewed today by KIRO-TV’s Deedee Sun about Renton’s desire to host a COVID-19 vaccine research and manufacturing facility. The interview will be on KIRO’s 6 p.m. Friday newscast and their website.

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

The perfect location for a COVID-19 vaccination facility

Infectious disease experts agree the development of a COVID-19 vaccine is the best response to stop the spread of this deadly disease. The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) estimates that a COVID‐19 vaccine could be developed in 12 to 18 months. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is leading the way by setting aside $250 million for research and manufacturing.

I want Renton to play a major role in developing this life-saving vaccine.

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

The ideal location for these research and development facilities will provide manufacturing capacity, an experienced and well-trained healthcare workforce and access to multiple modes of transportation. Renton has all that, plus we have a strong pro-business attitude.

Nationally we’re known as a leading manufacturing hub because of companies like Boeing and PACCAR. Both Kaiser Permanente Washington and Providence St. Joseph Health, two of the county’s largest healthcare providers, have their headquarters here. So do Genoa, a large pharmacy and tele‐medicine network, and LifeNet Health, the only full‐service tissue bank in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, UW Medicine/Valley Medical Center is the top-rated facility in the Seattle Metro area and in Washington state.

Having these companies in our community means access to a highly educated and well-trained workforce of over 50,000.

Locating a facility in Renton will not only position us as a global leader in the manufacture of a lifesaving vaccine but will also inject new life into our economy. I am working closely with our city council, city staff and King County Vice Chair Council member Reagan Dunn to promote Renton as the perfect location. This Monday the city council will review a resolution enthusiastically supporting this effort and authorizing our Community & Economic Development staff to explore all avenues to make it a reality.

Boeing to open 737 plant on Monday

Very good news yesterday as Boeing announced they will start working toward restarting production of the 737 MAX as early as Monday. I hope this will be a boon to our city and to those restaurants and businesses in and around The Landing.

The company will take extra precautions such as staggered shifts, floor markings and other signage to maintain social distancing. Employees will also wear face coverings and personal protective equipment.

Small business owners giving back

Several Renton’s small business owners are leading the way and giving back to our first responders during these trying times.

Their contributions draw attention to the important role these essential workers play. We think of police, fire and healthcare workers, but there are many more, including those who ensure we have food, water and electricity. Then there’s our public works crews, sanitation workers and those keeping public transportation running. Public Health – Seattle & King County has some suggested ways you can say thank you to these dedicated professionals

If you know businesses lending a hand in the community, please send us an email.

Stadium lights honor high school seniors

Renton School District will be part of tonight’s "Be The Light" celebration to salute the Class of 2020. Stadium lights across the state will be turned on at 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time) and will remain lit for 20 minutes and 20 seconds. Scoreboard clocks will display “20:20.” Please remember this is not a gathering, but a simple way to honor our high school seniors.

Governor expands moratorium on evictions

Gov. Inslee yesterday expanded his eviction moratorium and added more protections for residential and some commercial tenants. The governor’s original moratorium was issued in mid-March applied only to dwellings that are captured in the Landlord Tenant Act. This new proclamation extends that order through June 4 and includes other dwelling situations such as lots/parcels, transitional housing and public camping grounds. It also places several limits on landlords including rent increases and evictions.

State coronavirus resources

The state’s coronavirus website is a great source of information. There’s help in filing for unemployment benefits or assistance with healthcare. There’s links specifically for business owners, employees and families and whole section on ways you can help.

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, April 20.
  • City Council, 7 p.m.
  • Committee of the Whole, 5:45 p.m.
  • Transportation Committee, 4:45 p.m.
  • Public Safety Committee, 4 p.m.

Donations/Volunteering

  • Puget Sound Blood Bank is short on supplies. Find a donation event.

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.
  • 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) (note: as of April 15, program is no longer accepting applications from King County)

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

  • South King County Food Fighters.
  • Donations to WA Food Fund provide financial assistance to three organizations that supply every food bank in Washington: Second Harvest, Food Lifeline and Northwest Harvest. Donations will fund food, materials, and personal protective equipment, as well as delivery and distribution.
  • Sunset Community Church (1032 Edmonds Ave NE) will serve as a food distribution point in the Renton Highlands for Northwest Harvest starting April 14. It will be drive through pick-up to minimize contract from 3-6 p.m. or as long as supplies last.

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

  • April 8 – Governor provides additional guidance on school closures and impact on available services.

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.
  • PSE's Crisis Affected Customer Assistance Program (CACAP) is an $11 million fund dedicated to assisting low income customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdown. The program is in addition to PSE’s other assistance programs, including the Warm Home Fund, PSE Home Energy Lifeline Program and Weatherization Assistance Program for income-eligible customers.

King County

  • April 13 - King County awards $1 million to provide language access and other COVID-19 services to frontline community groups.
  • 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

State of Washington

conronavirus.wa.gov – one-stop great resource for state efforts

  • April 16 - Governor expands eviction moratorium and adds additional protections for residential and some commercial tenants.
  • 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.

Important Links

Information for Businesses and Employees

For Businesses

For Employees

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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