Governor Inslee’s announcement yesterday to keep schools closed the rest of the academic year is no doubt difficult for many parents and caregivers to digest. I know my extroverted 11-year-old was crushed. She misses school and her friends so much.

This action is important, however, and necessary to continue addressing the public health threat posed by COVID-19 in our community. But it also places extra strain on parents and families. Parents now need to be teachers while also productively working from home. Parents who are essential workers and cannot work from home are now scrambling for childcare. Our families in poverty are especially strained, as are members of our immigrant community, as resources they rely on are currently unavailable to them.

This is uncharted territory for us and the next few months will continue to be tough. We will get through this.

I’m very grateful for our outstanding Everett and Mukilteo school districts, and their administrators and teachers, who are adapting how they educate and engage our young people in innovative ways. I am equally grateful for all our parents and caregivers in this community who are rising to the challenge as we all do our part to keep this city safe. You are all heroes!

We will get through this stronger than ever. Be safe and be well!

Cloth face masks recommended

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Washington State Department of Health now recommend wearing cloth face coverings when in public for essentials such as trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, clinic or similar places where it's difficult to maintain 6 feet of distance from others. This recommendation is an additional layer of protection and does not substitute other social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Learn more from the Snohomish Health District and find guidance on face coverings you can use or make from materials you may already have at home.

Grants for small businesses in Washington

The Washington State Department of Commerce announced the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to support small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to $5 million in funds will be provided through the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund and administered by the Department of Commerce. The grant program will provide a limited number of qualifying Washington businesses with a grant of up to $10,000. Learn more about the grant process and eligibility.

COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County

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.

Everett Parks update

EverettEverett Parks & Community Services cancelled all recreation programs, preschool, events and facility rentals for the month of April, as well as several early May events, in response to Governor Jay Inslee’s extended “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. Registered participants will receive full refunds. Arbor Day, Earth Day and Jetty Island clean up events scheduled in April are cancelled. In May, the annual Kids Fish In and Viva Color events are cancelled. Spring and summer program registration will open May 4 or when the governor’s order is lifted.

Everett Public Library is here for you

The Everett Public Library buildings may be closed, but they are still a community hub for resources and reliable information. The library’s COVID-19 resource page has updates from both local and federal government agencies, as well as community resources including medical assistance, financial assistance, food, shelter, internet, or other relief. If you can't find the information you’re looking for, send them a message and librarians will help you find what you need. Learn more at epls.org/364/COVID-19-Resources.

Donate PPE for first responders and healthcare workers

Snohomish County is hosting a personal protective equipment (PPE) donation drive to help first responders and healthcare workers in Snohomish County save lives. They are collecting new, unused, unopened PPE from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to noon Friday at Willis Tucker Park in Snohomish through April 10.

Help your local food bank

Food banks in Everett and Snohomish County are in urgent need of food, volunteers and donations to purchase food. Volunteers of America’s (VOA) Everett Food Bank is seeking weekday volunteers in April to assist with packing boxes and assisting with supplies. Food, supplies and monetary donations to the VOA food program are also welcome. Learn more about how you can help at voaww.org/foodbank. Community members can also give to the WA Food Fund, a relief fund that supports food banks and pantries across Washington state so they can maintain their food supply.

Everett for Everett

Stay safe and healthy when you go out for essentials like food and supplies. EverettforEverett.com is a social distancing guide featuring local businesses offering safe social distancing options. Pick up essentials, find fun stay-home ideas and online activities and stay engaged while you stay home and stay healthy.