Health & Fitness

Mayor Pavone's Coronavirus Update For April 22

"We are investigating revenue relief options offered by both the state and federal government."

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Press release from the City of Renton:

April 22, 2020

It's easy to forget the 2020 Census is underway. If you've responded, thank you! If you have not, why wait? Click the image to start the process. Make sure Renton Counts!

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Mayor's COVID-19 Newsletter

With information regarding COVID-19 continually being updated, I’ve decided to publish this newsletter to share what we know with the residents of Renton. In each edition our team will bring you the latest updates from around the city as well as information from state and federal officials and agencies.

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COVID-19 Resources

The city has compiled resources from several city, county, state and federal entities into a comprehensive COVID-19 page.

Today is the 50th celebration of Earth Day. Since we can’t hold our normal celebration, our Solid Waste Utility group has provided some games and tips below.

Impact of COVID-19 on revenues and our response

On Monday, our administrative services administrator Jan Hawn gave city council an update on both the impact of COVID-19 on our revenues and the steps we are taking to mitigate revenue losses. I’d like to share that information with you.

City revenues come from taxes (sales, business & occupation, property, utility and real estate excise), the state (shared revenues), fees and charges (permitting and recreation programs) and city business (leases and miscellaneous sources). As you can imagine all these sources have been hit hard.

The figures I am sharing are projections by city staff based on our best estimates of the economic impact and what we’ve seen from history. They can certainly change as we navigate through this pandemic.

Jan’s projections show a loss of just over $19 million in tax revenues. Add on approximately $2.4 million lost in waived rental fees and miscellaneous revenue (including fees for programs, activities and ticket sales), and we’re looking a revenue shortfall of almost $22 million.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  • Sales Tax: Projecting a loss of $9 million, assuming a 50 percent decrease for the months social distancing is in effect and 17 percent for the remainder of the year. Auto sales in Renton normally bring in almost $500,000 per month in sales tax.
  • B&O Tax: Projecting a loss of $2.4 million based on a 25 percent decrease in collections. Businesses have been offered a deferral of their taxes until June 30. Losses may be affected if production of the Boeing 737 MAX is not back into production by mid-year.
  • Property Tax: Projecting a loss of $4.3 million, assuming a 20 percent loss covering all types of properties. King County has extended the April 30 deadline for first half payments until June 1.
  • Utility Tax: Projecting a loss of $1.6 million, assuming a 10 percent loss due to business closures and the impacts to residents of COVID-19.
  • Gambling Tax: Projecting a loss of $800,000, assuming closures of gambling businesses during social distancing.
  • Real Estate Excise Tax: Projecting a loss of $1.2 million, assuming a 30 percent decrease due to loss of jobs, decreased transactions and decreased purchasing power.
  • Shared State Revenues: Projecting a loss of $800,000, based on the 20 percent loss we experienced during the great recession.

Because of these impacts, I asked our administrators to look closely at their departments for ways to reduce expenses. We identified five common reductions:

  • Reduction in discretionary spending
  • Deferral of hiring for vacant positions
  • Elimination of out-of-state travel and training
  • Reduction in overtime
  • Other expenditure reductions or cost-saving measures, such as sharing staff when possible

Implementing those five will generate significant savings. Administrators and their staffs continue to look every day at additional ways to implement additional cost-savings measures.

We are investigating revenue relief options offered by both the state and federal government, including the current stimulus package before congress. We’re also looking at how much will be saved through under expenditures (items we have budgeted for and will not need) and, as a last resort, our reserve funds. It’s too early in the game to provide concrete figures.

Budgets are on all of our minds and as you can see, we have the same focus at city hall. We are working diligently and methodically to make every reduction we can without affecting the level of service we provide to the residents of Renton.

Governor outlines road to recovery

Gov. Inslee last night outlined his plan to begin re-opening the state’s economy, a process he said is dependent on a continuing downturn in COVID-19 cases we currently see. He has appointed three leadership groups (public health, return to safe workplaces/economic recovery and health, and social support) to help him develop an informed consensus on sustainable recovery.

The governor is working on re-starting the construction industry. Limitations would need to be in place, including mandatory safety precautions and protective equipment. Gov. Inslee also indicated he will look at allowing a resumption of elective surgeries and more individual outdoor recreation opportunities when COVID-19 modeling confirms a reduction in cases.

He indicated the key to lifting is dependent on having widely available testing, plus tracing of those who have been tested and getting them, if necessary, into isolation or quarantine. The state is bringing on 1,500 people as a “rapid response” team to help with contact, tracking and isolation, but the state still needs more testing capacity and equipment. State Department of Health, local public health offices and the National Guard will comprise this team.

Earth Day turns 50

Today is the 50th celebration of Earth Day. Normally we’d be finalizing preparations for our annual celebration this Saturday. Instead we can celebrate at home with a little help from our solid waste division.

They’ve created this Earth Day theme Bingo game that is both fun and informative. See if the measures you’ve already implemented results in a Bingo. If not, the card has several great ideas that will save you money and protect our environment. The staff have also created a fact sheet with even more tips to help you conserve. Here’s a link to the Groundwater Foundation where you’ll find fun lessons and activities.

Metro Town Hall

King County Metro will hold a second town hall meeting for city officials on Friday to discuss routes and route alternatives for riders. I will bring you any news from the meeting in my Friday newsletter. You can visit Metro’s website for information on service reductions and a community partner toolkit contains resources in multiple languages.

Update on city functions

New/updated information is italicized

Renton is ideal location for COVID-19 vaccine facility

April 16 - City of Renton, King County: Renton ideal location for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing facility

  • KIRO 7 - Renton considers recruiting coronavirus vaccine manufacturer
  • KING 5 - Coronavirus updates for Washington State: Renton mayor says city is “ideal” location for COVID-19 facility
  • Patch.com - Renton Ideal Location for Coronavirus Vaccine Manufacturing Facility
  • Seattle Medium - Renton Considered An Ideal Location For COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturing Facility
  • 425 Business - Renton Hopes to Repurpose Industrial Assets for COVID-19 Vaccine Production
  • Bisnow - Seattle Suburb Looks To Become Vaccine Epicenter
  • KCPQ-TV - Renton looks to be center for coronavirus vaccine

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
  • April 16 - City of Renton, King County: Renton ideal location for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing facility
  • April 17 - Renton increases support to small businesses

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.
  • Next meeting: Monday, April 27.
  • City Council, 7 p.m.
  • Committee of the Whole, 5:30 p.m.
  • Meeting video

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 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.
  • Go Renton: Renton Chamber of Commerce
  • 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)
  • April 17 - Renton increases support to small businesses through expanded partnership with Startup 425.
  • Technical assistance
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Save Small Business Fund
  • Small Business Administration
  • Funding: SBA 7(a), 504 and microloans, which offer debt relief; or, SBA Express Bridge Loans
  • Advising: The SBA Resource Partner Network for business resiliency readiness advising and training.
  • Tax Relief: IRS information about tax relief for businesses

Event Status

Cancelled

  • Earth Day/Arbor Day (April 25)
  • Community Garage Sale (April 25)
  • Shred-a-Thon & Food Drive (April 25)
  • Stop & Swap (May 6)
  • Fourth of July (July 4)
  • Renton River Days (July 24-26)
  • Cruz the Loop (August)

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

Mobile delivery is also available to seniors (55+), disabled, and schools and agencies. They are also accepting donations and are in need of volunteers.

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.
  • 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.

Updates from the chief

  • April 17 - "County's use of the Red Lion Inn"
  • March 27 - "Our role is to help educate"
  • March 23 - "Stay Home, Stay Healthy"
  • March 20 - "The safety of our community is out top priority"
  • March 13 - "Updates on procedures"

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 - Open for To-Go or Delivery

  • Restaurants open for take-out/deliver

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

Metro

  • April 17 - Further Metro service reductions begin Saturday, April 18, to support essential travel and transit workforce
  • March 30 - Interactive tool for riders whose routes experienced service cuts.
  • March 29 - If your Metro route was cut on March 23, are some alternative routes to consider
  • March 18 - Metro plans to temporarily reduce service starting Monday, March 23 to support the health of the community.

Sound Transit

  • March 21 – Sound Transit service change includes new route, temporary service reductions.
  • March 20 – Sound 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.

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.
  • 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

Public Health - Seattle & King County

State of Washington

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

  • Filing unemployment claims
  • Unemployment: Self-employed or independent contractor
  • Health insurance: Washington Health Plan finder
  • April 21 - Governor announces Washington’s COVID-19 recovery plan
  • April 21 - Governor sends letter to vice president calling for strong national testing system
  • April 21 - Governor extends proclamations for utility ratepayers and truck driver hours
  • 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
  • State Parks - Closed to the public through at least May 4; not taking new reservations through June 15, 2020

"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
  • FEMA - Rumor control (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

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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