EVERETT, WA – Out of an abundance of caution and to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the community, the City of Everett cancelled or postponed several events, programs and gatherings for the month of March.
The risk to most members of the community remains low. However, for the safety of more vulnerable demographics, the City is taking extra steps to minimize potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
Recent recommendations from the Snohomish Health District advise social distancing and avoiding non-essential gathering in areas with large groups. To align with those recommendations, the City cancelled or postponed many non-essential City-sponsored events, programs and gatherings, and temporarily closed two City facilities. Community members are encouraged to call ahead if unsure about a program or facility schedule.
City facility closures:
- The Forest Park Swim Center is closed through March 31.
- The Carl Gipson Senior Center is closed temporarily until further notice to protect the health of those who face the highest risk of COVID-19 illness. They will, however, continue to provide lunches for those enrolled in the Homage senior lunch program.
Program and event cancellations:
- All Parks & Community Services programs, including events, trips, classes and preschool, are cancelled through March 31. Registered participants will receive full refunds.
- All Everett Public Library public programs are cancelled through March 31, some to be rescheduled. Both libraries remain open for service and are following directions from state and local health officials including regular cleaning and sanitation.
- All March City Boards & Commissions meetings are cancelled.
- Fire Station 4 Public Meeting Room March events are cancelled.
- The March rain garden rebate workshops are postponed.
Additionally, Mayor Cassie Franklin issued a proclamation of civil emergency for the City of Everett on March 4, in coordination with Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Snohomish County’s Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters.
“We want to assure our community that we have tools in place and are ready to take appropriate actions quickly, when needed, to protect their health and safety,” said Franklin.
City of Everett staff and departments are also taking additional steps to help minimize the spread of the virus including:
- Installing sanitizing stations in the lobbies and public meeting spaces of City buildings.
- Activating Everett’s Emergency Operations Center (Level 1).
- Everett’s police and fire are taking extra safety precautions with personal protective equipment when responding to calls.
- Everett Transit teams are taking additional steps to clean and sanitize buses, focusing on high-touch interior surfaces.
- Encouraging staff who can, to work from home and actively identifying ways to keep City operations running smoothly and remotely through technology.
- Collaborating with regional partners and sharing the leading guidance from health officials with the community.
- Connecting local businesses with information to help inform their decisions regarding staffing and public events.
“I’d like to reassure everyone that we are working to stay ahead of the curve and to keep this situation at bay,” said Franklin. “It’s strong regional collaboration and the participation of everyone in our community that will ensure our success.”
How community members can protect themselves, loved ones and the community:
- Stay informed.
- Wash your hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- If at all possible, stay home if you are not feeling well.
Visit everettwa.gov/COVID19 for up-to-date information on City operations and response, program cancellations and closures, as well as additional resources and information.
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