Health & Fitness

Renton Mayor Publishes Coronavirus Update For May 1

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

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Press release from the City of Renton:

May 1, 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.

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

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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.

Issue: 26 / Friday, May 1, 2020

The Recreation and Neighborhoods division practiced for next week’s “Chalk Your Walk" event by decorating the sidewalk in front of the Renton Community Center. Distribution of chalk will continue over the weekend.

Governor extends “Stay Home, Stay Healthy”; announces phase-in plan to restart economy

Gov. Inslee today announced an extension of his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order at least through May 31. He also announced a four-phased approach designed to gradually reopen the state’s economy. The governor indicated that there would be a minimum of three weeks between phases and that the decision to move from one phase to the next would be driven by available science and data.

This comes on the heels of his lifting of restrictions on building construction projects and the return of many recreational activities starting Tuesday. The lifting of these restrictions is welcomed, but it comes with a caveat: the governor was able to relax his restrictions because of the efforts you have made to leave home only when necessary and then adhering to social distancing rules. Now is not the time to relax your efforts. Public Health – Seattle & King County posted an informative article outlining the risks of relaxing social distancing too early which I think is still appropriate today.

So, if you plan to go play a round at Maplewood next week or walk through one of our parks or trails this weekend, please maintain proper distancing. That way we’ll be able to look back at these steps as the start of our way back and not simply as an aberration.

Employees’ health and safety is our primary concern

On Monday, our public works water, surface water, wastewater, streets, fleet and transportation maintenance employees will return to a 40-hour work week.

I want our employees to know that their health and safety is my primary concern. Any employee who lets us know that they are a high risk individual (defined by the CDC as anyone over 65 years of age, and people of any age who have certain chronic underlying health conditions), will receive certain accommodations that are based on both the Governor’s Proclamation and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Our Human Resources/Risk Management (HRRM) department developed an accommodations process that must be followed prior to a high-risk worker returning to the workplace. We notified all employees of the process earlier today. If you have questions, our HRRM team will have the answers.

I want all our employees to know how very proud and grateful I am for your dedication to our residents, whether you’re working from your home or your work site. I am working daily with the leadership team to make decisions that are in your best interests as well as the interests of our community.

Communities In Schools COVID-19 fund can use your help

Communities In Schools Renton-Tukwila (CIS) has been true to one mission since their inception: serving the needs of the most vulnerable students in our schools. I have witnessed their dedication firsthand as a volunteer in their mentoring program.

Their mission became more difficult when COVID-19 hit because the families they serve struggled to provide shelter and food before the pandemic and those struggles have multiplied since.

To help, CIS established a “COVID-19 Emergency Fund” in mid-March. Thanks to our generous community they have fulfilled 256 requests totaling just over $37,000, helping ease those fears for many.

Earlier today, Jaime Greene, CIS’s executive director, told me that based on their average weekly requests, they have enough funds to last only another two weeks. They can certainly use your help as they continue to provide for our at-risk students. I hope you will consider making a donation.

CED updates operations based on governor’s new construction order

The governor’s phase I construction re-start plan has raised questions from both homeowners and contractors about implementation. In response, our Community and Economic Development staff have updated the inspections process (below) and have a section on the plan’s workplace health and safety requirements.

CED will perform either physical onsite or virtual inspections for existing construction projects covered under phase I. Whenever possible, virtual inspections will be accomplished. Call the Building Division at 425-430-7200 for more information.

Chalk Your Walk

We had the first round of free chalk distribution earlier today for next week’s “Chalk Your Walk.” There are four more this weekend:

Saturday, May 2
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kennydale Elementary (1700 NE 28th St.)
Cascade Elementary (16022 116th Ave. SE)

Sunday, May 3
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Highlands Elementary (2720 NE 7th St.)
Maplewood Heights (130 Jericho Ave. NE)

Chalk Your Walk will have daily themes and will be a great way for Renton residents of all ages and abilities to show off their creative side through sidewalk/driveway masterpieces.

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, May 4.
  • City Council, 7 p.m.
  • Committee of the Whole, 5:15 p.m.

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.
  • 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.

Event Status
Scheduled

  • May 14 Virtual Downtown Renton Wine Walk

Cancelled

  • Spring Recycle Event (May 9)
  • Spring Green & Clean (May 16)
  • Family Safety/Bike Rodeo (May 16)
  • Memorial Day (May 25)
  • Downtown Renton Wine Walk (June 5)
  • Kids Fishing Derby (June 6)
  • Stop & Swap (June 6)
  • Summer Green & Clean (June 6)
  • Fourth of July (July 4)
  • Day after the Fourth Cleanup (July 5)
  • Return to Renton Benefit Car Show & Cruise-In (July 12)
  • Renton River Days (July 24-26)
  • National Night Out (August 4)
  • 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

  • Sustainable Renton Free Grocery Store on Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in The Brewmaster’s Taproom parking lot, 2000 Benson Road South.
  • 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) is a food distribution point in the Renton Highlands for Northwest Harvest on Tuesdays. It will be drive-through pick-up to minimize contract from 3-6 p.m. or as long as supplies last.
  • Emergency Feeding Program (851 Houser Way): Drive-thru pre-packed meals from 3 to 4 p.m. Reserve online and pickup based on first letter of last name:
  • Monday: (A-I)
  • Tuesday: (J-R)
  • Wednesday: (S-Z)

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

  • Renton School District offers free meals to any child, ages 1-18, in the front lot of each school weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. No ID is required, but child must be present. Students can pick up meals at any school or location nearest to them, including:

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 implementing the construction-related provisions of Gov. Inslee’s Governor’s Phase 1 construction restart plan and related guidance issued by the Governor’s Office.

CED will be performing physical onsite and virtual inspections for any existing construction projects pursuant to the Phase 1 requirements. Whenever possible, virtual inspections will be accomplished. If you are interested in more information about virtual inspections, please contact the Building Division: 425-430-7200.

The safety plan was developed as part of a working group that included contractors and workers. The plan includes requirements related to safety training, physical distancing, PPE, sanitation and cleanliness, monitoring employees for symptoms, and logging job site visitors. The governor did not announce restart plans for any other industry or activity.

Workplace safety and health complaints may be submitted to the L&I Call Center: (1-800-423-7233).

Prior to calling for an inspection please be sure you have met the minimum requirements necessary for an onsite inspection:

1. COVID-19 Site Supervisor

A site-specific COVID-19 Supervisor shall be designated by the contractor at every job site to monitor the health of employees and enforce the COVID-19 job site safety plan. A designated COVID-19 Supervisor must be present at all times during construction activities.

Exception: single-family residential job sites with 6 or fewer people on the site.

2. Posting of COVID-19 exposure control plan

Contractors are required to post at each job site a comprehensive COVID-19 exposure control, mitigation, and recovery plan. PPE utilization; on-site social distancing; hygiene; sanitation; symptom monitoring; incident reporting; site decontamination procedures; COVID-19 safety training; exposure response procedures; and a post-exposure incident project wide recovery plan.

A copy of the plan must be available on each job site during any construction activities and available for inspection by state and local authorities. Failure to meet posting requirements will result in sanctions, including the job being shut down.

3. Posting of Notice to Employees

All Contractors are required to post at each job site written notice to employees, subcontractors and government officials the Phase 1 work that will be performed at that job site and signed commitment to adhere to the requirements listed in this document.

4. Daily Attendance Log

A daily attendance log of all workers and visitors must be kept. The log must include the name, phone number, and email address of all workers and visitors.

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

  • WIC - WIC is a supplemental food program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, infants and children. WIC also provides health screening, nutrition and health education, breastfeeding promotion and support, help getting other services and monthly benefits for nutritious foods.

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

  • Maintenance facility is closed to the public until further notice.
  • The Public Works Maintenance Services Division and Transportation Maintenance teams are returning to their regular work schedule a schedule of 10-hour days Monday - Friday.
  • To request service or report a problem call 425-430-7400 Monday - 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 cancellations.

Open

Closed

  • All restrooms (except those at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Heritage Park, Riverview Park and Cedar River Trail Park which will open during park hours starting on May 5), playgrounds, sport courts, fields, and other active recreation areas within city parks, including the skate park.
  • 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

  • April 8 – Governor provides additional guidance on school closures and impact on available services.
  • Renton School District offers free meals to any child, ages 1-18, in the front lot of each school weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. No ID is required, but child must be present. Students can pick up meals at any school or location nearest to them, including:

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

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.
  • 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 23 - County executive announces supplemental budget to continue COVID-19 response, help small businesses, arts and tourism; fund homeless youth programs.
  • 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.
  • RASKC: Regional Animal Services of King County.
  • King County Parks - working through a phased-in reopening scenario

Public Health - Seattle & King County

  • WIC - WIC is a supplemental food program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, infants and children. WIC also provides health screening, nutrition and health education, breastfeeding promotion and support, help getting other services and monthly benefits for nutritious foods.

State of Washington

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

  • 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.

  • April 3 - Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings from Department of Health.

  • 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.

Governor's Actions

  • May 1 - Governor announces extension of "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" and a four-phase plan to gradually reopen the state's economy
  • April 29 - Governor rolls out COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard with data

  • April 29 - Governor issues guidance to clarify limits on elective surgeries
  • April 27 - Governor announces Colorado & Nevada will join Washington, Oregon & California in Western States Pact
  • April 27 - Governor announces distribution of funding to local governments from federal stimulus package
  • April 27 - Governor announces easing of outdoor restrictions
  • April 24 - Governor announces plan to allow construction projects previously underway to be completed

  • April 23 - Governor extends 20 proclamations relating to COVID-19
  • 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 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 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.

"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.

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

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