A Message from the Mayor of Sammamish on COVID-19

Transcript:

MAYOR KAREN MORAN: Friends and neighbors, I’m Karen Moran, your Mayor, back to give you a few important updates!

Today, June 26th, all Washingtonians are required to wear face masks or coverings, including children.

I’ve asked Andrew Stevens, the Emergency Manager for Eastside Fire & Rescue, for some pointers about wearing masks. Andrew?

EMERGENCY MANAGER ANDREW STEVENS: Thank you, Mayor. Wearing face coverings is an important step in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 when done correctly.

· First, wash your hands before putting on your face covering

· Holding onto the ear loops, place the face covering over your nose and mouth, securing it under your chin.

· Try to use a mask that fits snuggly against the sides of your face, but still allows you to breath easily.

· Once the face covering is on, do not touch it, and if you do, wash your hands.

· When removing the face covering, handle by the ear loops, and be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

· Cloth face coverings should be washed daily. They can be washed and dried in your standard appliances along with your regular laundry, using hot water and high heat so they can be worn safely the next day.

MAYOR KAREN MORAN: Thanks Andrew. We are experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19, and science has proven that the most effective way to stop the spread is by wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing.

I’m pleased to tell you that on Wednesday, July 1st, from 4-8pm, the City will be distributing free masks to our residents. These fabric masks are washable and reusable. We will be set up at Central Washington University on 228th, and residents can drive through, remaining in their vehicles, and will receive two masks per member in their household. All our staff and volunteers will be equipped with PPE. Please visit connect.sammamish.us or our Facebook page for more information.

With summer upon us, some of you have asked about our parks, docks, and beaches. Here’s one question from the City’s Facebook page, “Why are the beaches closed and why is Pine Lake closed?”

Thank you for that question. City parks in general are smaller parks and become congested quickly, making social distancing impossible. The Council approved the extended closure of the Pine Lake beach and dock for your COVID safety.

Another question from Facebook asked about opening up City playgrounds for our children. We understand how tough it is – summer is here, everyone’s been cooped up inside with the Stay at Home Order. We must follow King County’s guidance on reopening, and playgrounds will not open until Phase 3. We are currently at Phase 2. It is hard for children to socially distance in a playground, and we want to avoid children, and their parents and their grandparents from getting sick.

I’d like to touch on another topic that some of you have asked about: police policy. The City of Sammamish contracts with King County for our Sammamish police department, led by Chief Daniel Pingrey. The King County Sheriff’s Office has adopted the “8 Can’t Wait” procedures developed by Campaign Zero, a nationwide police reform program. You can read more about the Sammamish Police Department’s Polices, Training, and Resources in the Current News section of our City website.

Lastly, it is time to say farewell to one of our most valued employees, City Clerk Melonie Anderson, who is retiring after 20 years of serving the City of Sammamish. Melonie, you’ve been an extraordinary public servant and friend to the City. Please accept our heartfelt thanks and best wishes from the City Council, City staff, and me, dear friend.

That’s all for now…please stay well and stay healthy. And I hope to see you – from a safe distance -- at the Mask Distribution event on July 1st!