City Declares State of Emergency to Streamline COVID-19 Response
City of Carnation— 03/12/2020 — The Carnation City Council met in special session on Friday, March 6th and approved a declaration State of Emergency to streamline its response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This action was taken to enable Carnation’s City Manager to have flexibility in managing personnel, and to enable faster contracting should the need arise to find outside help for critical city infrastructure like water or sewer systems and other community needs.
All Councilmembers have been engaged and working on this issue. City Officials have been coordinating closely with State and County authorities on Carnation’s response, and we are in close communication with local businesses, the Snoqualmie Valley Senior Center, Hopelink, etc., and will provide updated guidance as it becomes available through State and County authorities. The mayor and city manager have been in regular communication with the Governor, Congresswoman DelBene, the Sounds Cities Association, King County Emergency Management, our neighboring city Duvall and the Riverview School District.
The City has enabled staff to work remotely and is encouraging all city employees to stay home if they are sick. City Hall remains open today, however citizens are encouraged to reach out via phone or email instead of coming in person unless necessary.
In compliance with County Orders, the Carnation City Council is taking steps to enact proper social distancing procedures for future meetings, starting with the March 17th meeting. City Council members and the public will be encouraged to participate in all upcoming meetings remotely. Additional information will be announced shortly.
State and County Orders
Governor Inslee announced new community strategies and social distancing plans to minimize COVID-19 exposure, particularly in counties hit hardest by the virus. Events that take place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are prohibited by the state. This order applies to gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational activities.
Additionally, Governor Inslee has announced the closure of all K-12 schools in Washington. Please refer to the Riverview School District’s guidance and communications with regard to the closures, and what services will remain available for families during the closures.
Also, King County’s public health officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, extended the governor’s order for King County to include gatherings of fewer than 250 people unless social distancing steps are taken to reduce risk. This will include guidance for local businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and bars. Dr. Duchin’s team will provide detailed guidance for retail establishments shortly.
Council Support
Carnation’s City Council supports City Manager Arrington in Carnation’s response to this emergency and encourages each member of the community to be mindful of what we can do as individuals to slow the spread of this virus. Further, the City Council encourages members of the community to follow County and State health department recommendations while continuing to support local businesses as much as possible within the safety guidelines put forward by the King County Health Department.
As always, if you have comments, concerns, or questions, feel free to reach out to your council representatives.
Additional Resources:
Washington State Department of Health: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
King County Department of Health: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus/protection.aspx
Governor Jay Inslee’s Emergency Proclamation: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/20-07%20Coronavirus%20%28tmp%29.pdf
King County Restrictions on Public Gatherings: https://publichealthinsider.com/2020/03/11/new-limits-on-large-gatherings-other-emergency-strategies-to-slow-the-spread-of-covid-19/
Riverview School District Information: http://rsd407.org/districtinfo/news/news_stories/2020_coronavirus_information.aspx
Riverview School District COVID-19 Support Hotline: (425)844-4544
For More Information Contact:
Amy Arrington
amy.arrington@carnationwa.gov