As we head into the weekend, my heart is heavy knowing the uncertainty, fear and loss our community is experiencing. It's tragic to see cases continue to rise across our country and world. I see our city in a very different place than we were just a week ago - quiet streets, closed restaurants and storefronts, and empty schools and playgrounds. I am sad about the emergency situation we’re in, and how deeply it’s affecting us all.
 
I also feel incredibly grateful knowing that so many of you are hunkered down, staying home and staying healthy. Thank you. This is what we need to do. This is how we fight.
 
Although it may be difficult in this stressful time, I encourage you to use this time to take care of yourself and your family. Get extra rest, sleep in, go for a walk. Perhaps play a game with your kids, or cuddle up on your sofa and reread your favorite book. I can tell you my cats are using this time well and finding my lap or laptop whenever they can, reminding me to take a moment to breathe deeply and be grateful for my health, while I appreciate some kitten time. My daughter is missing friends and family, but I love seeing her face light up as she connects with Grandma and Grandpa via FaceTime. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Now, more than ever, is when we need to practice kindness and look for those opportunities to bring a little cheer to each other’s lives.
 
Be safe and be well.

COVID-19 data

The City of Everett added a data set to the City’s open data portal to track the spread of COVID-19 in the US. Compiling data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering and the COVID Tracking Project, community members can view real time data and charts on cases by state and county, timelines, fatalities and recoveries.

Snohomish Health District updates

Visit the Snohomish Health District's website for up-to-date information on COVID-19, including updated case count information like the chart below that illustrates the cumulative case count for Snohomish County.

Stay Home, Stay Healthy

Everett Police would like to remind the public not to call 911 to report violations of the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, social distancing violations, or individuals outside of their homes. Everett Police will not actively seek out individuals failing to comply with the orders solely to charge them with a crime. Their goal is to seek voluntary compliance with the orders to keep residents safe and healthy, and will remind and educate those who are not complying, as appropriate. Everett residents may report concerns by e-mail to cv19violations@everettwa.gov.

Everett Public Works update

With measures in place to protect City staff and the community, Everett’s Public Works is prioritizing tasks considered immediately necessary for public safety, transportation and utility services, including urgent repairs, emergency response and regulatory-compliance activities. All other work not immediately necessary is delayed until further notice. Public Works continues to log service requests and will respond when conditions allow.

Emergency actions to mitigate COVID-19 impacts

On March 25 Everett City Council passed three emergency actions to help mitigate the health, safety and financial impacts of COVID-19: a civil emergency order temporarily exempting Everett retail establishments from Everett’s Reusable Bag Ordinance; an emergency ordinance temporarily waiving Everett Transit fares; and an emergency ordinance to waive or defer certain utility late fees and shutoffs for non-payment.

For businesses

On Monday this week, Governor Inslee issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order for all of Washington state, banning all social, spiritual and recreational gatherings, and closing all non-essential businesses for at least two weeks. If you own a business and are not sure if it is considered essential, visit the State’s website for a full list of “essential” businesses. Still have questions? Fill out their online form to clarify your status or request inclusion on the list.

For people experiencing homelessness

Snohomish County and community partners are expanding shelter capacity for COVID-19 emergency sheltering to provide immediate assistance for those most vulnerable to COVID-19 in Snohomish County. Expanded sheltering capacity helps protect everyone in the community against the spread of COVID-19, including people experiencing homelessness, particularly parents with children, veterans, and other vulnerable individuals. 

Exercise is important and Governor Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order still allows people to go outside for walks and exercise, as long as social distancing of 6 feet is maintained. We closed our parks gates, amenities and active areas (ball fields, beaches, sports courts, etc.) this week, but Everett parks and trails are open for passive recreation. If you do go outside for some exercise, stick to nearby parks or trails for a walk, bike ride or stroll with your dog (on a leash) and make sure you keep at least 6 feet between you and others, and avoid groups and crowds. If you feel sick, stay home.

Everett for Everett

Need essentials and not sure what’s open? Visit coronavirus.wa.gov to learn more about what’s open and what’s prohibited during Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. EverettforEverett.com also has a list of businesses that are open and following social distancing rules so you can shop local when you need essentials.