March 2020

Metro temporarily ceases fare enforcement inspections amid COVID-19 response

information from King County Metro

As our region responds to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), King County Metro temporarily ceased in-person fare enforcement inspections during the crisis response. Fares are still required, and passengers are still expected to pay or to tap their ORCA card.

Guided by the recommendations of Public Health – Seattle & King County related to social distancing, suspending fare enforcement will limit hand-to-hand, close interactions between fare enforcement officers and passengers, protecting their health and – by extension – the health of our community.

Fare enforcement officers will continue to be onboard coaches and visible on Metro’s system to deliver safety support, assist customers and operators, and provide information or directions to those who need help finding resources.

Category

Inslee: School closures extended to April 24; Pick up meals will still be provided by both districts

As the turmoil caused by the coronavirus continues to gather momentum Govenor Jay Inslee issued an Executive order extending his original order to close schools for two weeks. Now the closures have been extended to April 24.

In a tweet Inslee said,

"I am directing the closure of all K-12 schools in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Schools must close by Tuesday, March 17th and stay closed through Friday, April 24."

That would mean the earliest students could return to classes in those counties would be Monday April 27. 

Seattle Public Schools said in an announcement:

As of March 12, all Seattle Public Schools (SPS) classroom instruction, athletics, club sports, preschool, enrichment programs, etc., are closed. While school-building childcare is also currently closed we are working closely with the city and partners to determine how to mitigate for working families.

Category

Land Use Application filed for Lam Bow Apartment expansion
Seattle Housing Authority project will add 79 Apartment homes

The Seattle Housing Authority is the agency behind the expansion of the Lam Bow Apartments at 6955 Delridge Way SW. The apartment complex suffered a devastating fire in September of 2016. 35 people lost their homes in the blaze and the new expansion will look to expand and improve on the existing buildings. The land use application has now been filed.

The full set of records for the project can be found under Record Number: 3029799-EG at

https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/resources/property-and-building-activity

 

Category

County says White Center quarantine site won't be active for the next two weeks

Following a community conference call on King County's decision to site a quarantine site for coronavirus patients in Top Hat near White Center,  Calli Knight, Deputy Director of External Relations for King County Executive Dow Constantine offered an update. They note that the facility will not be operational for the next two weeks as they prepare the site. They also offered more information via two documents you can download here.

Knight said via email:

Category

West Seattle Thriftway shares announcement on Coronavirus

To Our Valued Customers:

Over the past few weeks with so many of you visiting us to stock up on food and supplies to keep your family healthy and safe we want to make you aware of extra safety precautions we are taking amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. The health and safety of our customers and staff are our first priority.

Alongside our day to day cleaning practices we have increased cleaning of all areas you and our staff come into contact with on a regular basis.

Cashiers have been instructed to wipe down all check stand common areas every 15-20 minutes with disinfectant. This includes all card processing terminals, pin pads, and stylus.

We have suspended all passive samples and the use of reusable containers for bulk foods as well as reusable cups for espresso drinks until further notice. All staff has been instructed to stay home if they are not feeling well.

Category

King County Sheriff reminds public on gatherings of 250 or more 'Don't call 911'
They ask concerns be directed to Public Health at coronavirus@kingcounty.gov

Governor Jay Inslee announced that gatherings of people larger than 250 until the end of March are now banned in hope of stopping the spread of the coronavirus. 

King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties are part of the ban.

The Governor said it is “very likely” the ban could be extended beyond March with more announcements in the next few days.

The ban does not apply as yet to Casinos but he said they are in conversations with tribal leaders on the issue.

In a press release the Sheriff's office said:

Category