Throughout our community, businesses and nonprofits are taking a significant financial hit as a result of COVID-19. Unemployment rates are skyrocketing. City revenues are down. We are all experiencing financial pain from these necessary mitigation efforts to protect public health. We’re all wondering when we can start to go back to “normal-life.”

The data shows we’re not there yet, but the day will come and we want to be ready. Our teams are working on a phased economic recovery plan that will support our businesses and community organizations in the transition.

We created EverettforEverett.com, a guide to essential businesses that remain open and operating under physical distancing guidelines. It includes restaurants offering take-out and delivery, resources for senior shoppers, virtual arts and music options, online learning links, and more.

Later this month we’ll be launching the Everett Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (Everett CARES) program. This $1 million grant program, made possible with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will provide aid to Everett small businesses and nonprofits. The program will disburse funds to organizations throughout the city with priority given to small businesses and nonprofits owned by, employing or serving low-income communities.

We’ll also be working with businesses to help prepare them to operate in a post-pandemic reality. Things are going to be different and behaviors that we’ve needed to incorporate into the way we work, such as hand washing (all the time), staying home when we’re sick and implementing physical distancing measures, will become part of our standard operating procedures.

We are doing well at keeping each other safe and it is so important that we continue to do so. Thank you for the important part you play in that work.

Be safe and be well.

Everett Police and Fire join countywide effort

The Everett Police and Fire departments are supporting the efforts of Snohomish County’s new SnoCo Agencies for Engagement (SAFE) Team to expand emergency outreach to people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, reduce community spread of COVID-19 and save lives. The SAFE Team is composed of physicians, community paramedics, social workers and law enforcement officers who are visiting encampments and areas where people are known to congregate throughout the county to assess individuals for COVID-19 symptoms and connect them to services as needed.

Governor Inslee extends, expands eviction moratorium

Govornor Jay Inslee announced Thursday expanded protections for renters as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of community members statewide. The governor’s new proclamation extends and expands the original order through June 4 with new protections for renters including prohibiting landlords from increasing rents or deposits for residential and some commercial units.

Employment Security Department implementing system updates for benefits

In an update on the State’s response to COVID-19, Governor Inslee and Commissioner Suzi LeVine discussed Thursday system updates and efforts to expand capacity at the Employment Security Department (ESD) to ensure families get their benefits. The system update implements the federal CARES Act to allow self-employed and part-time workers with less than 680 hours apply for benefits. The ESD claims center will be closed and eServices will be not be available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 18.

New Business and Workers: Weekly Update newsletter

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.

Snohomish County PUD assists customers impacted by COVID-19

Snohomish County PUD announced in March a Community Support Plan to help customers experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan makes funds available for residential and small business customers affected by COVID-19 who may be struggling to pay their electric or water bills. They have also paused late fees and disconnections for non-payment, made their Budget Payment Plan more flexible and made enhancements to their Income-Qualified Assistance Program. Learn more about Snohomish County PUD’s response to COVID-19.

You are not alone

COVID-19 has impacted many people in many different ways, including mentally and emotionally. Many may be experiencing stress from losing a job, caring for a sick loved one or having to manage working from home while homeschooling children. Others may feel isolated and alone. If you’re experiencing distress during this difficult time, you are not alone and help is out there. The State added a list of mental and emotional well-being resources to their coronavirus website to help you, loved ones and the community during this stressful time.

Do your part to protect others

Communities across Washington, especially Everett, have done a fantastic job at staying home to stay healthy and save lives – let’s keep it up! It will take each and everyone one of us doing our part to continue our progress in the fight against COVID-19. The Washington Department of Health has a great article with steps you can take to continue to protect yourself, loved ones and our entire community against the spread of the coronavirus. Steps include staying home, practicing good hygiene and showing compassion toward our fellow community members.

Volunteer

Everett Emergency Management, in cooperation with Snohomish County, is looking for volunteers to assist local food banks and meal distribution sites. Opportunities exist throughout the county and they are looking for volunteers for these vital programs. Several emergency management volunteers have already responded and jumped in to help. Fill out the volunteer interest form and the Snohomish County Emergency Coordination Center will contact you with available openings.