Over the past week, I have been receiving a lot of questions and comments about when Everett will be ready to move on to phase two of the state’s Safe Start plan. I wish I could give a specific date. COVID-19 has devastated our city in ways we could never have imagined.

We are all looking forward to more businesses opening up and being able to gather friends and family beyond our household. But the data doesn’t yet support that move. Nearly 900 Everett residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19. 42 Everett lives have been lost. Earlier today Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases, testified before the Senate cautioning that states and cities will face serious consequences if they open too quickly.

I feel the pain of our residents, our small businesses and each of you, so it is important we follow the science and make decisions guided by data to ensure that when we move on to the next phase, we don’t ever have to go back. Please hang in there with me, be kind to yourself, and each other. We will get through this and be a stronger community for it.

Be safe and be well.

More Viva Color plants up for auction

Although the Viva Color flower program is cancelled this year, you can help splash color and joy throughout the city by planting Viva Color plants in your own garden, baskets or planters at home! In case you missed the first round, there are few more plants up for auction this week. Bids start between $2 and $5 and plant auctions close Friday, May 15 at 3 p.m. View the auction items and bid here

Everett Transit increases service

As a reminder, Everett Transit is now operating on an enhanced Saturday schedule Monday-Friday and a standard Saturday schedule on Saturdays. Additionally, Route 70 will offer three trips in the morning and three trips in the evening. To help limit the spread of COVID-19, Everett Transit is currently fare free and asks Fixed Route riders to board through the back door unless an ADA ramp is needed. They also strongly urge riders to wear a face cover.

View the full schedule and sign up for rider alerts to stay informed about future Everett Transit service changes.

Western States Pact requests $1 trillion in federal relief

Governor Inslee and other leaders of the Western States Pact from Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Colorado sent a letter to Congress requesting $1 trillion in direct and flexible relief to states and local governments. In the letter, they stated funding would help make up for COVID-19 revenue losses, preserve core government services like public health, public safety, public education, and help people get back to work. Read the full Western States Pact letter.

 
Additional guidance on Safe Start phases

Since announcing the Safe Start Washington plan, Governor Inslee has released additional Safe Start guidance for phases one and two. Additional phase one guidance includes the ability for retail outlets to provide curbside service, pet walking and landscaping. Additional phase two guidance includes partially resuming the dine-in restaurant and tavern industry for counties granted variance under the phase two recovery plan.

 
Snohomish County COVID-19 updates

In an update about COVID-19 in Snohomish County on May 12, County Executive Dave Somers, Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters and consulting psychologist with the Everett Clinic Dr. Paul Schoenfeld shared data on the rate of new infections in Snohomish County, discussed how social distancing and cloth face covers can help limit the spread of COVID-19, and shared what people can do to care for their mental and emotional health during this time. 

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 Community Support Plan

Snohomish County PUD has developed a COVID-19 Community Support Plan to help customers who have been affected by the COVID outbreak and are struggling to pay their electric and water bills. The plan makes funds available for both residential customers who have who have experienced an income loss due to COVID-19 and small business customers who have had their operations limited or closed due to COVID-19. Learn more at PUD’s webpage or call for assistance: 425-783-1000 for residential customers or 425-783-1012 for business customers.

 
Nutrition programs available to Snohomish County seniors

The Senior Farmers Market Voucher Program is accepting applications for $40 worth of checks to eligible participates to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers markets or farm stands. Funds are limited so a random selection process is used to select recipients. Applications must be postmarked by May 26 to be eligible. View the County’s Long Term Care and Aging web page for more details, and find additional nutrition services including nutrition sites for hot meals and in-home nutrition programs (Meals on Wheels).

 
COVID-19 tips and resources for older adults

AARP and TVW have teamed up to keep older Washingtonians informed on how to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. COVID-19 has been stressful for many across Washington, but especially for older people and those with underlying health conditions. Tune in to the “Spread the Facts” video series to learn about COVID-19 tips and resources for older adults and their families. 

Give a face cover, get a face cover

Everett Emergency Management is collecting and distributing face covers at drive-thru donation sites throughout the month of May while supplies last. Walk-ups are also welcome and all face cover donations are greatly appreciated.

• Mondays (except Memorial Day), 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Thornton A. Sullivan Park, 11405 Silver Lake Rd.
• Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. at Kasch Park, 8811 Airport Rd.
• Fridays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Forest Park, 802 E Mukilteo Blvd.

Learn more about making, donating and caring for face covers at everettwa.gov/facecovers