It’s been wonderful and heartening to see so many businesses reopen their doors while adapting their operations to keep their employees and customers safe. I’m grateful to all the restaurants and shops for hanging in there and doing their part to reopen safely. Thank you.
 
As we open, it’s more important than ever that we continue to follow public health guidelines. We have to learn to live within the new reality of this pandemic. Covering our faces when we’re out and about is part of that new reality. Physically distancing ourselves from others and limiting our interactions with people who are not part of our close family and friend network continue to be important ways of protecting one another.
 
I know this is hard. I miss the way things used to be pre-COVID-19. I miss hugging my favorite people. I miss seeing smiling faces. And I never thought I’d say this, but I miss meetings – in-person meetings – and working together in person with City teams and partners. But this is the world we live in, and it is crucial that we keep following these guidelines so we stay healthy and keep our community safe.
 
I’d also like to add that while we do our best to protect each other, we all have our own boundaries and levels of comfort with taking risks. Some people may choose not to cover their face, or respect distancing recommendations, or limit their social interactions. I strongly encourage everyone to do these things, because they will help all of us. But I also recognize that there’s a lot of pain in our community right now, and we are all experiencing many layers of loss. Added to that are the social justice issues of racism and inequality, brought to new light these past few weeks. This is a difficult time for us on many levels. Let’s continue to each do the very best we can in this difficult and painful environment. Try not to judge the actions of others; rather, take personal responsibility for your own actions. And please, let’s be gentle and kind with each other.
 
Be well.

Curbside pickup now available at library’s main branch

The Everett Public Library announced exciting news this week: curbside pickup is now available at the main branch! Library card holders can call 425-257-8000 or log in to epls.org to request materials. Once you get the notification that your materials are ready, head to the main library Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up within 10 days. Curbside service will be a socially distant, contactless service and staff ask that you please wear a face cover and stay in your vehicle or at least 6 feet from others.

Getting to Safe guide now available in Spanish and Russian

Thanks to help from our friends at the Snohomish Health District and Snohomish County, the Getting to Safe guide is now available in Spanish and Russian, with more languages coming soon. Businesses that are getting ready to reopen in phase two or future phases of the safe start plan can find checklists, resources, downloadable sign templates and more. Check it out and download a copy at everettforeverett.com/safeopening.

Update to Snohomish Health District case counts web page

The Washington State Department of Health expanded their data dashboard to include daily data at the county level. Community members can now view Snohomish County COVID-19 data from the Snohomish Health District’s web page, along with weekly reports that highlight a more detailed look at COVID-19 cases throughout the county including hospitalizations, demographics, cases per city, long-term care facility data and more. Learn more.

Summertime in a pandemic

Summer is just around the corner and the fun, sunny season is going to look very different this year. Community events, activities and programs are cancelled or modified this year and gathering with large groups of friends and family is still prohibited in phase two. As things open back up and more activities are allowed, it’s important to remember to do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Snohomish Health District’s blog answers some great questions about phase three and what summer may look like this year. Community members can visit everettforeverett.com to find a list of open businesses and fun, safe activities to stay busy and healthy this summer.

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 number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Snohomish County by date.

NEW CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN SNOHOMISH COUNTY BY DATE

Second round of small business relief grants from Snohomish County

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers last week announced the second round of the Small Business Relief, Recovery, and Resiliency (R3) Grant Program, which will award grants up to $25,000 to qualifying Snohomish County businesses. This grant program is part of the relief and recovery action Snohomish County is taking to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. The application process for the second round of the R3 Grant Program is open now through 5 p.m. on June 26. Learn more and apply at workforcesnohomish.org. 

Disaster assistance loans available from the US Small Business Administration

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) announced their Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance application portal is now open for all small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are being processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more and apply.

Donate face covers

Supplies are running low as Everett’s Emergency Management team continues to collect and distribute face covers for the community. They’ve distributed thousands of face covers thanks to generous donations from the community and are calling on crafters to help. Stop by the drive-thru sites through June to donate face covers or pick one up while supplies last. Walk-ups are also welcome and all face cover donations are greatly appreciated.

• Monday, June  22, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Evergreen Branch Library, 9512 Evergreen Way
• Wednesday, June 24 – 1 – 4 p.m., Lowell Park, 4605 S 3rd Ave.
• Fridays, June 19 & 26 – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Boys and Girls Club, 2316 12^th St.

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

Stay local

As things begin to reopen and cures for cabin fever become available, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 still threatens our community, region and nation. Instead of packing your bags for an exciting vacation, stay local to help prevent the spread of illness. Not only will you be helping keep yourself and others safe and healthy, you’ll provide much-needed support to local businesses that have struggled through the pandemic. There are many local activities to safely enjoy like picking up takeout from your favorite restaurant or going for a walk or bike ride with your family or a few close friends. When you do go out, remember to cover your face, keep a safe distance from others, avoid crowds and wash your hands often.

Stay healthy and do your part to prevent the spread of illness

The Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) latest statewide situation report shows COVID-19 transmission continues to increase in eastern Washington, with small increases observed in western Washington as well. State and local officials continue to monitor the region carefully to determine whether the slight increase in COVID-19 transmission continues to grow. Now we are going to sound a bit like a broken record here, but everyone in our community and our state must do their part to help prevent the spread of illness: cover your face, keep a safe distance from others, stay local, avoid crowds and wash your hands. Learn more in the DOH’s blog.