Hang in there, Everett and get ready to continue to cozy up for a while! Public health officials are reporting that a “fall surge” in case counts is underway. I know we’re all weary of this pandemic and wishing we were already on the other side of this. Fatigue is settling in. I know I’m tired of Zoom meetings. I miss seeing my friends and family in person. And I miss doing fun things, like matinees with my daughter at the Village Theater. I am eager for a time when life will seem more normal.
 
But first, we need to renew our commitment to fighting this virus. Health experts believe the increases we’re seeing are due to us letting down our guard and getting together with too many people who aren’t in our household. With the cooler weather and holidays approaching, I know it will be even harder to resist gathering and enjoying our usual traditions with family and friends.
 
Please stay strong. Do what you can to protect your family, neighbors and our community. Please keep covering faces, washing hands, staying distant when in public and limiting social interactions. Together we can do this! I plan to cozy up with a good book (or eight) these coming weeks. Be well! 

Explore and discover Everett parks

Everett Parks launched a new program to get outside and explore parks to discover the exciting treasures they hold. Follow them on Facebook, or visit everettwa.gov/expedition, for weekly adventures this fall season that take you and your crew to an Everett park to wander, explore and discover the many gems within. They’ll share stories of different parks and their exciting amenities so you can gather your walking shoes, face mask and curiosity to see for yourself. Adventure like a pro: remember to mask up, keep a safe distance from other explorers and pack out what you pack in to help keep Everett’s parks beautiful.

City council districts update

Everett’s District Commission had their last meeting on Oct. 19 and adopted Plan Map A-9. They will present the map to the city council for approval at the Oct. 28 city council meeting. Beginning in 2021, the five districts will each elect one city councilmember, who must live in the district they represent. The remaining two council positions will be at-large (meaning they can live anywhere within the city). For more information, visit everettwa.gov/districting.

Follow the City of Everett to stay up to date

Governor launches state group to assist in economic recovery

Governor Jay Inslee announced a new state effort to help communities recover from the social and economic damage created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Washington Recovery Group will be housed in the state’s Office of Financial Management and will coordinate with state and local governments, as well as businesses, on a variety of recovery topics, including community and social services, education and child care, employment and jobs, equity and social justice, health, housing, infrastructure, energy and supporting small business.

 
COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County at highest levels in months

The two-week COVID-19 case rate in Snohomish County for the period ending Oct. 17 is the highest it has been since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020. The rate has increased from 70.6 per 100,000 population in last week’s update to 101.1 per 100,000. As Mayor Franklin notes above, we are still in this. Although it can be challenging, we can all do our part to keep our community healthy. Mask up, keep your distance, wash your hands, stay home if you're sick and avoid the three Cs: crowds, close contact settings and confined spaces. Learn more at snohd.org/covid.

State launches webpage to encourage safer gatherings

The state launched a new Safe Gatherings webpage that offers ideas on different ways to celebrate, tips for safer gatherings, and ideas for talking with friends and family about establishing and following ground rules for gatherings this fall and winter. Many will be making plans with family and friends this time of year about whether to gather for celebrations, game days or other events. Gathering - even with people we know - may spread COVID-19. The more people we interact, and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of becoming infected. Data suggests too many people are choosing to gather in close settings, particularly without wearing face coverings, resulting in COVID-19 case rates rising again in Snohomish County. The safest option is to find different ways to celebrate.

 
Help improve internet in the community

With so many relying on telework and remote learning during the pandemic, reliable internet access is more important than ever. However, many in our community continue to experience internet accessibility challenges. The Washington State Broadband Access and Speed Survey will help determine which areas in our community remain poorly connected and help our community qualify for state funding to upgrade infrastructure in the area. Learn more and take the survey between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (for accurate internet performance results) to help improve internet access in Everett.

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

Funds available for unemployed immigrant workers

Governor Jay Inslee in August announced a $40 million Immigrant Relief Fund for Washington workers who became unemployed due to COVID-19, but are unable to access federal stimulus programs and other social supports due to their immigration status. Applications are open now through Dec. 6. Eligible recipients will receive $1,000, with a limit of $3,000 per household.  Applications can be submitted through the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund at immigrantreliefwa.org.

 
Childcare help available for essential workers

Snohomish County, YMCA of Snohomish County and Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County have teamed up to support families’ need to balance employment and childcare during this challenging time. Essential workers’ employment situation or position may qualify their family for Snohomish County’s CARES Act funded child care program.

 
Grants available to small businesses

The Washington State Department of Commerce developed the Community Small Business Resiliency Grant Program to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program provides grants of up to $10,000 to eligible small businesses licensed in Washington State, which can be used to cover working capital shortfalls due to COVID-19 hardship. Applications will be accepted until noon Pacific Time on Oct. 28. Learn more and apply.

Vote!

Election Day is Nov. 3, which is just around the corner, and Oct. 26 is the last day for voters to register or update voter information online or by mail. Washington state allows for same-day voter registration on Election Day (in person), but why wait? Get ready to vote today so you can make your voice heard next month! Register to vote, update your voter information, view your voter pamphlet, track your ballot and more at votewa.gov. More Snohomish County-specific information and resources are also available at snohomishcountywa.gov/elections.

 
Have a safe and healthy Halloween

Trick-or-treating is considered a high-risk activity this year, but you can still have a safe, healthy and FUN Halloween with your kiddos. Here are just a few ideas:

• Have a spooky candy hunt: dress up and hide candy or prizes around your home or yard
• Host a Halloween movie marathon with your family and serve your favorite Halloween snacks
• Plan a virtual costume contest or pumpkin carving party online with your friends
• Dress up and take a walk around your neighborhood to view all the Halloween decorations

Find more information and ideas from the Washington State Department of Health.

Rock out!

Fisherman’s Village Music Festival is going virtual this month, Oct. 28-31, and is free to anyone who wants to rock out to local music and let go of some stress! Catch incredible local music from the comfort of home, streamed at thefishermansvillage.com and YouTube at 7 p.m. each night of the festival.

Get your flu shot

Getting the flu shot this year is more important than ever! Flu shots are critical to the health of our families and community. Getting the flu vaccine, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, helps keep people healthy and reduces putting additional stress on the state's health care system. Check with your care provider, pharmacy or clinic/hospital to find a time to get your flu vaccination.