COVID-19 Information & Resources

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Please visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health.aspx for the latest COVID-19 information. 

• Free Summer Meals for Children from LWSD

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  To help support families during the school closure due to the coronavirus, Lake Washington School District is committed to providing FREE healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch to children ages 1-18. Learn more.

• Summer Lifeguard Program Canceled at Pine Lake Park

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  On Tuesday, June 2, the Sammamish City Council reviewed and approved a phasing plan to begin re-opening park amenities throughout the City.

  In line with King County, the City of Sammamish’s Phase 1B does not allow for the use of docks or swimming, and aquatic facilities in Western Washington remain closed. This condition, combined with many other factors, including staffing shortage, additional risk of COVID transmission when performing resuscitation, and the multiple challenges social distancing poses, does not support the city’s efforts to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, forcing the City of Sammamish to cease the lifeguard program this summer at Pine Lake Park.

  In the absence of lifeguards, City officials want to remind the public that they swim at their own risk and to be extra cautious. This advisory applies to any water recreation at Beaver Lake and Sammamish Landing as well.

  It is recommended that all people, especially children, use life jackets or flotation devices when they are near or in the water. Other safety tips include:

  - Be wary of the risk of cold shock due to frigid spring water temperatures;

  - Look for hazards in the water like swift currents and debris;

  - Read and follow all signage.

  The City will be issuing drowning prevention information and water safety tips on social media.

• Emergency Manager's 6/2/20 Report to Council on COVID-19

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  In case you missed it at last week's City Council Regular Meeting, below is the full text of the Sammamish Emergency Manager's Report to City Council on COVID-19. This full recorded meeting can also be viewed at on our YouTube page.

  Report to Sammamish City Council on Covid-19

  June 2, 2020

  Andrew Stevens, CEM – Emergency Manager, Eastside Fire & Rescue

  Good evening Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Manager.

  Across the world, Coronavrius numbers continue to increase. Globally, there are roughly 6.4 million positive cases and nearly 380,000 deaths due to COVID-19. The U.S continues to be the global leader in both confirmed cases at over 1.8 million, and fatalities, with over 106,000 deaths. This is a tragic milestone and the speed in which this number was reached, in just 3 short months, is a stark reminder as to the severity of this crisis.

  Washington State is reporting 22,157 positive cases of COVID-19 and 1,128 deaths. King County is reporting 8,235 cases. The City of Sammamish is shown to have 78 positive cases of coronavirus, and five fatalities. [Editor's note: The newly updated King County COVID-19 Data Dashboard now shows revised, slightly reduced case numbers for Sammamish.]

  Last week, the Governor announced his updated plan for safely resuming some recreational, social, and business activities. While some activities have already resumed under this approach, and counties across the state move into higher phases of reopening, it is important to note that although the threat of COVID-19 may seem to be declining, steps to prevent exposure still need to be made by all members of our community. This includes complying with all non-pharmaceutical interventions, maintaining social distancing, and wearing face coverings while in public. Sammamish residents have done an amazing job of reducing our whole community’s risk to this virus, through purposeful, preventative measures and support of one another. Now is not the time to let your guard down.

  Turning on the news it may be easy to forget that the U.S. is still very actively engaged in fighting a pandemic, and that the virus is still very much present throughout our communities. Crises can occur simultaneously, often compounding the effects of both. During these times, viral outbreaks are especially opportunistic. The traditional methods of non-violent civil resistance, such as the congregation of people gathering to peacefully protest an injustice or to hold a vigil, all provide opportunities for a resurgence of this disease.

  As you are aware, the City Manager has drafted a Proclamation of Emergency in response to the numerous incidents of civil unrest we are witnessing across the region, which is being presented for your ratification this evening. Please know, that we have been actively monitoring and assessing these incidents and coordinating with multiple agencies to reduce our community’s risk and vulnerability and to take measurable steps to ensure public safety and property protection.

• Health Officials Stress Continued Vigilance as Limited Reopening Begins

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  As King County continues its first week of limited reopening of some businesses and recreational activities, Public Health – Seattle & King County reminds the public to continue following physical distancing and infection control practices to help prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases. Also, expanded data available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

  Read the full story from Public Health - Seattle King County' Public Health Insider blog.

• King County Enters Modified Phase 1

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  The state approved King County's application for Modified Phase 1 today. This will allow for modified openings for many businesses and recreation activities. Effective immediately, restaurants and retailers in King County will be allowed to serve customers under a modified Phase 1 reopening.

  Learn more what the modified reopening means for different types of businesses: kingcounty.gov/Safe-Start

• Sammamish City Parks Safe Start Update for June 4

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  UPDATE JUNE 5: Now that King County has been approved to move into Modified Phase 1, the City will be implementing the reopening of amenities, the week of June 8.

  
  

  As you plan your visit, remember to practice social distancing, avoid congregating, use of PPE and frequent hand-washing is recommended, stay home if you are sick, and follow the most current CDC guidelines.

  Most of Sammamish’s closed park amenities are out in the open and cannot be fully secured or locked. Please honor closure notices as part of the community’s collective response and individual responsibility to keep everyone safe.

  For the latest updates, visit City of Sammamish COVID-19 Information & Resources.

  The City of Sammamish continues to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in accordance with the Governor's orders and to ensure that social distancing measures (maintaining six feet of space between people) will be adhered to. As we move into Modified Phase 1, based on King County’s application and approval to move forward, the City will be opening some additional park amenities. All Sammamish City parks and preserves continue to remain open to pedestrian and bicycle access with the following modifications:

  Park amenities projected for Modified Phase 1 opening:

  • Athletic Fields (City-owned)
  • Courts
  • Dog Park (no water)
  • Beaches – Fishing only
    • Sammamish Landing Park
    • Beaver Lake Park

  The associated parking lots for these amenities will be opened, which include East Sammamish Park, Ebright Creek Park, and Beaver Lake Park.

  • Group size restrictions in effect: Gatherings of five or fewer people from outside the household are permitted.

  Organized athletic games, practices and pickup games are not permitted.

  • Use of PPE and frequent handwashing is recommended.

  The above openings will be added to the existing availability of parks/amenities below:

  • Trails at all City Parks
  • Evans Creek Preserve
  • Beaver Lake Preserve
  • Lower Sammamish Commons
  • Sammamish Landing Park
  • Parking lots to parks without gates:
  • Klahanie Park
  • NE Sammamish Park
  • Big Rock Park
  • Restrooms/Sani-cans

  The following amenities will remain closed until Phase 3:

  • Pine Lake Park Gate and Beach
  • Docks at Sammamish Landing and Pine Lake Park
  • Playgrounds at all Parks
  • Sammamish Commons Skate Park

  As you plan your visit, remember to practice social distancing, avoid group gatherings, keep it moving to help prevent crowding, stay home if you are sick, and follow the most current CDC guidelines.

  For the latest updates, visit City of Sammamish COVID-19 Information & Resources.

  
  

• Announcing "What's Open Eastside"

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  The City of Sammamish is proud to partner with the cities of Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Renton on the new map-based tool to support our local businesses, What's Open Eastside. This free application was designed for local businesses to publicize what services they offer, to advertise promotions, to provide updates on operation status, and to share details on how services can be accessed.

  Not only will this app help Sammamish residents see which businesses are providing what level of service as Washington State phases through its Safe Start plans, but it will last well after the COVID crisis has passed as a valuable tool to help our community support each other and shop local.

  Check out the app today to support your neighborhood businesses!

• City of Sammamish Statement on Sammamish Farmers Market

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  The City of Sammamish is issuing this statement to underscore the City’s position on summer events. There is some confusion around the Sammamish Farmers Market that this statement is intended to clarify.

  • At a City Council Special Meeting on April 14, 2020, the City Council voted to cancel all City of Sammamish sponsored events, including the City’s Farmers Market, through the end of August in order to protect the community and mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19. The safety of our residents is our first priority.
  • Events canceled include popular gatherings such as the Farmers Market, Fourth on the Plateau, and Concerts in the Park.
  • The City of Sammamish has not received any permit applications for a 2020 Farmers Market; however, any such applications would have to go through our permitting process like any other Temporary Use Permit.
  • The City of Sammamish has observed how other cities are handling farmers markets. For instance, the Redmond Farmers Market has moved from their original location of 35 years.
  • Though the City of Sammamish has no involvement with the farmers market being organized by the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce, the City of Sammamish is glad they have found a place to conduct their farmers market.

• Sammamish Emergency Manager's 5/19 Report to Council on COVID-19

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  This report was presented verbally at the City Council Regular Meeting on May 19, 2020.

  Report to Sammamish City Council on COVID-19

  Andrew Stevens, CEM – Emergency Manager, Eastside Fire & Rescue

  Good evening Mayor, Council members, and City Manager. Thank you again for inviting me to discuss the City of Sammamish’s COVID-19 response and recovery operations.

  As of today, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus globally was nearly 4.9 million. The U.S. has reported roughly 1.5 million cases of COVID-19, resulting in over 91,000 fatalities. The number of cases in the U.S. is now roughly than the same as the next seven highest countries combined.

  Washington State is reporting 18,811 positive cases of COVID-19 and over 1,000 deaths. King County is reporting 7,582 cases. The City of Sammamish is shown to have 76 positive cases of coronavirus, and now five fatalities. This is an increase of roughly 17% in new confirmed cases and a 66% increase in fatalities in the past two weeks. I believe that these numbers should strike home the fact that COVID-19 is still a considerable threat as we are still tragically seeing lives lost within our community.

  Yesterday, King County enacted a directive requiring all residents to wear a face covering in most public settings. This includes any indoor or outdoor space where you may possibly come within six feet of others, including grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, or any other retail facilities. Face covering helps to prevent the inadvertent spread of COVID-19 and, therefore, I urge all residents to comply with this directive. Similarly, private businesses may further require that all customers entering their facility be required to wear a face covering. Also note that although the wearing of a face covering or mask is an extremely important step in slowing disease transmission, it is not a substitute for other COVID-19 mitigations such as social distancing or washing your hands.

  Internally, the City continues to assess and monitor COVID-19 threat mitigation strategies as they relate to Washington’s phased Safe Start plan and adjust accordingly. This includes assessing the use of public facilities and our own internal policies and procedures. We have established an internal steering committee comprised of numerous department stakeholders whose focus will be to assess the various funding sources available to support the COVID-19 response and recovery, and to provide those recommendations to City leadership. Understanding that the recovery of large-scale incidents, such as COVID-19, can create numerous challenges for any organization, the City is holding a virtual Disaster Cost Recovery workshop paid for through a grant obtained by the City’s Office of Emergency Management. And, to assist in the overall regional recovery process, we have invited our neighboring jurisdictions and external stakeholders, such as our public utilities and school districts, to participate in this valuable training at no expense.

  Lastly, although some parts of Washington are moving into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan, it does not appear that King County will meet those required health metrics soon. So, I would like to remind all who may be struggling or in need of assistance that there are numerous resources available which may be able to assist you or your family through these difficult times. King County Pubic Health recently shared on interactive map highlighting where emergency food may be accessed, 211 is a valuable resource for connecting with human service organizations across the region, and our own Connect Sammamish COVID-19 portal provides links to numerous other resources. Many of these programs were established with the understanding that the steps necessary to combat this virus places an extraordinary hardship on many, so please do not hesitate to use them if needed.

  That is all I have to report on this evening. Thank you and stay safe.

• New public health Directive requires masks or face coverings on transit

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  Starting Monday, May 18 until further notice, passengers are required to wear masks or face coverings while riding transit, according to a new Public Health Directive from Dr. Jeff Duchin, Public Health – Seattle & King County health officer, along with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. Read more on the King County Metro Blog.