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

• New Hazardous Waste Info from King County

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  Haz Waste Collections Reopening: Website Updates for the week of May 11, 2020 and beyond

  Residents

  North and South Seattle drop-off sites are open with reduced hours, but only visit if necessary
  Starting May 15, Seattle collection sites will be open and operating on the following schedule:

  • The South Seattle collection site, located at 8100 2nd Ave. S. in Seattle will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday only.
  • The North Seattle collection site, located at 12550 Stone Ave. N. in Seattle will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday and Monday only.

  These hours of operation will remain in place until further notice. If you would like to receive service updates, please contact us at haz.waste@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-4692.

  Factoria and Auburn drop-off locations are open, but only visit if necessary
  The Factoria facility and the year-round Wastemobile in Auburn are open. However, we encourage you to postpone your trip unless necessary. If you are unable to delay your visit, we recommend you do the following:

  • Practice social/physical distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others.
  • If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or if someone in your household is, we ask that you do not visit a drop-off site.
  • At the Factoria facility, bring proof of your residency in King County. Means of verifying residence include: government-issued ID, vehicle registration, utility bill, or rental agreement. Learn more about this policy on the King County Solid Waste Division website.

  
  

  We encourage you to postpone non-essential visits

  The Hazardous Waste Management Program urges customers to follow Governor Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order and to hold on to hazardous waste items that don't require immediate disposal. If you delay your visit, please follow this guide for tips on safely storing your hazardous waste (pdf) until you can properly dispose of it.
  
  

  Businesses

  North and South Seattle drop-off sites are open with reduced hours, but only visit if necessary
  Starting May 15, Seattle collection sites will be open and operating on the following schedule:

  • The South Seattle collection site, located at 8100 2nd Ave. S. in Seattle will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday only.
  • The North Seattle collection site, located at 12550 Stone Ave. N. in Seattle will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday and Monday only.
    
    

  These hours of operation will remain in place until further notice. If you would like to receive service updates, please contact us at business.waste@kingcounty.gov or 206-
  263-8899.
  
  

  Factoria drop-off site and year-round Wastemobile in Auburn are open, but only visit if necessary
  The Factoria facility and the year-round Wastemobile in Auburn are open for households and Small Quantity Generators (SQGs). However, we encourage you to postpone non-essential visits. If you are unable to delay your visit, we recommend you do the following:

  • As an SQG, it is mandatory to bring a disposal form pre-filled out with you. Click here to fill out the SQG disposal form.
  • Practice social/physical distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others.
  • We ask that you do not visit a drop-off site if someone in your household or workplace is sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
  • At the Factoria facility, bring proof of your personal or business residence in King County. Means of verifying residence include: government-issued ID, vehicle registration, utility bill, or rental agreement. Learn more about this policy on the King County Solid Waste Division website.
    
    

  If you plan to delay your trip, please follow this guide for businesses on safely storing your hazardous waste (pdf) until you can properly dispose of it.

  
  

• Safe Start Plans & Guidance for Reopening from Washington State

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  Safe Start plans and guidance for reopening

  On May 1, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of his Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through May 31, 2020 and outlined the phased “Safe Start” approach he and public health officials will take for resuming recreational, social and business activities. He issued the new proclamation on May 4, 2020 to begin Phase 1. Phase 1 builds upon re-opening of some construction activity and outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, playing golf and some park access.

  The state will stay in every phase for a minimum of three weeks in order to allow one complete disease incubation period plus an additional week to compile complete data and confirm trends. Every phase will still require social distancing and appropriate health precautions including the use of personal protective equipment in a number of workplaces.

  This phased approach may be adjusted as the pandemic evolves. You can view the COVID-19 Risk Assessment dashboard used by the governor and public health leaders to evaluate the risk associated with possible modifications to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

  The governor’s office will provide industry-specific guidance and safety criteria for businesses listed in each phase of the plan. Business activities are not authorized to open until a business is able to meet all safety criteria. Guidance documents will be added here as they become available.

  Workplace safety and health complaints may be submitted to the L&I Call Center: (1-800-423-7233).

  General questions from employers about the Safe Start plan can be directed to the state’s Business Response Center.

  Additional workplace safety guidance is available on our Business & Workers page. Visit our What’s Open page for more information about which personal, recreational and spiritual activities are allowed.

  Phase 1 business activity guidelines

  List of approved essential programs - issued May 7

  • Car washes (pdf) - issued May 7
  • Commercial driver license guidelines (pdf) - issued May 7
  • Construction (pdf) - issued April 24
  • Curbside retail and e-commerce Memo (pdf) - issued May 8
  • Curbside retail requirements (pdf) - issued May 8
  • Essential workforce education program standards - issued May 7
  • Landscaping memo (pdf) - issued May 8
  • Landscaping requirements (pdf) - issued May 8
  • Pet walking memo (pdf) - issued May 8
  • Pet walking industry requirements (pdf) - issued May 8
  • Spiritual drive-in services (pdf) - issued May 6
  • Vehicle sales (pdf)- issued May 6
    • Frequently asked questions on the Governor's vehicle and vessel sales memo (pdf)

  Phase 2 business activity guidelines

  • Restaurant/Tavern Reopening (pdf) - issued May 11
    • Partially Resuming the Dine-In Restaurant and Tavern Industry Memo (pdf)

• King County Issues Directive to Wear Face Coverings

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  Starting on May 18, 2020, King County residents are directed to wear face coverings in most public settings.

  Wear a face covering when you are at any indoor or outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you.

  Everyone is strongly urged to wear face coverings in places such as:

  • Stores that sell food and beverages (including: grocery stores, pharmacies, corner stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, farmers' markets, food banks, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, big box stores that sell groceries, and similar places that sell food).
  • Retail stores (including: convenience stores, pet supply stores, auto supplies and repair shops, hardware and home improvement stores, garden stores that sell supplies for growing food, office supply stores, and home appliance stores).
  • Restaurant take-out and food businesses. Employees who prepare, carry out, and deliver food must wear masks.
  • Cannabis shops and stores that sell dietary supplements.
  • Tobacco and vapor shops.
  • Buses, light rail, and other forms of public transportation.

  A face covering is not needed when you are outside walking, exercising, or otherwise outdoors if you are able to regularly stay 6 feet away from other people who do not live with you.
  Learn more on the King County website

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

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  Report to Sammamish City Council on COVID-19

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

  Good evening Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Manager. Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to provide an update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and City of Sammamish’s response and recovery operations.

  As of today, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus globally was over 3.6 million, an increase of over one million since my last briefing. The US has reported roughly 1.2 million cases of COVID-19, resulting in over 70,000 fatalities. The number of cases in the U.S. is greater than the number of the next four highest countries combined. To put that into further perspective, more than a month has passed since the U.S. has had a day where fewer than 1000 individuals died from coronavirus.

  Washington State is reporting 15,594 positive cases of COVID-19 and King County is reporting 6,621. The City of Sammamish is shown to have 65 positive cases of coronavirus and three fatalities. Sammamish still has one of the lowest per capita rates of infection in the county, and due to the robust mitigation measures the City enacted early in this event, we can proudly say that we have been able to maintain the continuity of nearly all government functions without a single instance of employee contraction of COVID-19.

  Across the nation, state, and even locally, people are growing restless with the measures required to combat this virus. So please allow me to remind everyone that this outbreak is far from over. While some states that have issued public health orders, such as Washington’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, are seeing a slight decline in case volume, 25 states are still seeing daily increases in positive cases. The total case count across the nation is still expanding, growing each day by 2-4%. In many areas, where social distancing restrictions have been lifted entirely, we are seeing a resurgence of the virus. Rural counties who did not even have a single reported case until mid-April are now experiencing explosive community transmission and are now hot spots for several new cases.

  Last week, the Governor extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through the end of May. He also outlined a phased process for reopening aspects of the community, such as outdoor recreation and some businesses. The process outlined in the Governor’s Safe Start plan assesses our community’s resiliency against the virus through analyzing the readiness of our health care systems, testing availability, ability to conduct widespread contract tracing, and the level of risk to vulnerable populations. The Governor also stated that there would be a period of at least three weeks in between the phases of reopening to allow for time to assess their success.

  While we are beginning to see these measures already take effect, through the reopening of some outdoor recreation like state parks, fishing, and golf, I urge Sammamish residents to approach this transition slowly. Please do not look for the exceptions for what is allowed and rush out to meet them. This virus is still very much present in or community and county and these activities are not worth yours or anyone else’s health and safety. The City has always taken a proactive stance to ensure the protection of its residents and employees. For example, in last week’s public address, the Mayor outlined why some restrictions to City parks use and access would still be enforced, even as State Parks reopened.

  Understanding that the threat of COVID-19 will last for many more months and that the recovery will last much longer, we have been focusing on steps to facilitate that recovery process. We are in constant communication with State and County partners concerning funding to support costs associated with the COVID-19 response, as well as the long-term recovery of our community. Understanding the various funding streams that the City may access, what costs are eligible for reimbursement, and ensuring all those expenses are properly documented throughout the duration of this incident is one of our top priorities. Other measures being taken include the continued support of businesses within the City, through tools like the Puget Sound Small Business Map, and the efforts you all are taking this evening to support community organizations active in supporting those impacted by the outbreak.

  I want to thank everyone for their continued support and compliance with all public health recommendations. It truly is making a critical difference to so many.

  Thank you.

• Sammamish City Parks Closure Updates for May 4, 2020

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  On March 25, the City of Sammamish took measures within City Parks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with the Governor's orders and to ensure that social distancing measures (six feet of space between people) could be adhered to.

  Though many State-run parks in Washington will re-open tomorrow, May 5, City Parks will continue to have modified levels of public access. Because our Parks generally have a smaller capacity than State Parks:

  1. All Sammamish City parks and preserves will remain open to pedestrian and bicycle access.

  2. Gates to parking lots will NOT be opened for parks, so they will have no vehicular access. Parks affected include Beaver Lake Park, East Sammamish Park, Pine Lake Park, Ebright Creek Park, Sammamish Landing. Please note that there are parks that do not have gates to their parking lots (Klahanie Park, NE Sammamish Park, Big Rock Park), so these lots will remain open.

  3. The City of Sammamish is not currently allowing fishing or swimming from docks or beaches at Pine Lake Park, Beaver Lake Park, or Sammamish Landing.

  4. Gates to parking lots of preserves will remain open. This includes Evans Creek Preserve and Beaver Lake Preserve. Gates to the Lower Sammamish Commons park will remain open to allow access for the SE 4th Street contractor and for CrossPath Counseling.

  5. Restrooms and sani-cans will remain open.

  6. The Dog Park (at Beaver Lake Park) and ball fields/sports courts at all parks will remain locked.

  7. Playgrounds and the Skate Park at Sammamish Commons will remain closed.

  Please note: Beaver Lake Boat Launch is a State-run access to the lake and is expected to re-open tomorrow. This is separate from Beaver Lake Park, maintained by the City of Sammamish, which will continue to have a closed parking lot gate in order to prevent overcrowding on our docks and at our beaches. The City of Sammamish is not currently allowing fishing from docks or beaches at Pine Lake Park, Beaver Lake Park, or Sammamish Landing.

  These measures are being taken to prevent any of our City parks from becoming "destinations" for large groups of people. Because the Governor has requested that Washingtonians “recreate locally,” we encourage residents to walk in their neighborhoods and explore their closest parks, so that no one park becomes overcrowded.

  
  

  
  

• A Message From Mayor of Sammamish, Karen Moran, May 1, 2020

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  Friends and neighbors, I’m back today to give you another update on how Sammamish is doing during this COVID-19 health crisis.

  First, the good news! You, Sammamish residents, have done an amazing job in reducing exposures within our community. I’m happy to report that Sammamish has one of the lowest per capita infection rates not only in King County, but all of Washington State.

  But there is also some sobering news. Our community has lost three individuals so far to this virus. Our hearts go out to these families and their friends.

  The governor announced today that the Stay at Home Order will be extended through May 31st. We must all continue to adhere to social distancing. This is the only way we can prevent spreading of the virus.

  The governor also announced that state parks are reopening. While the City of Sammamish has never fully restricted access to our City parks, I want to explain why we are making the decision to restrict certain amenities and parking access. City parks are smaller, and with the good weather coming, social distancing would be hard to maintain if the parking lots are open. By keeping our lots closed, residents can continue to recreate locally and safely in place. Our maintenance crews are still working to keep our parks beautiful, and we want to ensure it’s a safe environment for our staff.

  The governor has also lifted restrictions on certain construction projects, as long as social distancing and PPE protocols are adhered to. Please visit connect.sammamish.us for more information.

  And while you are there, please check out the Puget Sound Small Business Map, where 16 cities, including Sammamish, have partnered to help residents locate and support small businesses and restaurants around us. It is a very useful interactive map. If your business in not on this map, please contact them to get it added.

  Lastly, I’d like to thank the city staff, many of whom are continuing to work safely from home while delivering on all the important services we need for this city to function. With careful and thoughtful management, we are confident that the City has and will still be able to maintain its level of service.

  On behalf of the entire City Council, I want to thank the first responders and healthcare workers for keeping us safe. And I want to thank YOU, residents of Sammamish, for doing your part in overcoming this virus. One positive thing that has come from this is community resiliency and unity. Yes, we are sticking together through this, by staying apart.

  Stay safe, and thank you.

  Karen Moran, Mayor

  
  

• Stay-at-Home Order Extended Through May 31

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  At his press conference today, Governor Jay Inslee extended the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order through May 31. The following information has been provided by the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Governor Inslee is expected to post full details to his Medium page soon.

  "The Extension of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order will be through May 31, Gov. Inslee & Health officials announced today. There will be new allowances for retail curbside pickup; car washes; and landscaping and house cleaning services. Also, drive-in spiritual services can go forward with one household per vehicle.

  Moving forward, there will be four phases allowing more areas of the state to re-open after each phase based on a data-driven approach. Information on that here.

  These phases depend on continued success in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and meeting four capabilities including:
  ✔️health care system readiness
  ✔️testing capacity
  ✔️ability to do contact investigations
  ✔️ability to protect high-risk populations.

  Not every part of the state is experiencing #COVID19 the same way. County variances are allowed. Smaller counties could reopen. Counties with fewer than 50,000 residents not hit hard by #COVID19 will be able to apply to the Department of Health for a variance that will allow the county to open to the second phase. Cities and counties can also take more strict actions than what the state is mandating. That is up to them based on their public health needs and local decision making.

  While state parks and state land are re-opening May 5, before traveling, check with your destination. More information: https://parks.state.wa.us/1177/Novel-Coronavirus---COVID-19

  Businesses are also expected to implement any additional requirements developed specifically for their industry such as those that have been established for construction.

  The state is entering into Phase 1, with some aspects starting on May 5. The governor has already allowed some construction to resume as well as reopening of some recreational activities including day use at state parks, playing golf, fishing and hunting. Officials are working with industries to develop new protocols that could soon also allow for retail curbside pickup; car washes; and landscaping and house cleaning services and drive-in spiritual services with one household per vehicle.

  When COVID-19 disease burden is low and decreasing and the four capabilities described above are met, the governor will move from Phase 1 to Phase 2.
  ▶️ Phase 2: Additional expansions of outdoor recreation activities would be allowed, as well as small gatherings of 5 or fewer people, new construction and in-store retail purchases with health restrictions. Barber shops and salons could reopen. Restaurants could reopen with 50 percent capacity and table size no larger than 5. Some professional services and offices could open up as well, even though teleworking would remain strongly encouraged. Pet care services including grooming could resume.
  ▶️ Phase 3: Gatherings of 50 people or less, including sports activities, would be allowed, and non-essential travel could resume. Restaurants could move up to 75 percent capacity and tables up to 10 people, and bars at 25 percent capacity; gyms and movie theaters could reopen at 50 percebt capacity; retail, libraries, museums and government buildings could reopen. Recreational facilities like pools could open at 50 percent capacity. Nightclubs and entertainment venues would still not be able to reopen.
  ▶️ Phase 4: Would involve resuming the majority of public interactions. Gatherings of more than 50 people would be allowed, but still while practicing social distancing."

• COVID-19 Updates on Safety & Waste Pick-Up from Republic Services

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  Republic will be resuming bulky waste pick-up on Monday, 5/4. Due to COVID-19 precautions, extra trash/recycling/yard waste must still be bagged and set out at the curb or stored in an additional cart or can. Extra charges will occur, as normal, on all extras.

  Additionally, with more cars parked on neighborhood streets right now, it can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians or children playing. Our waste management contractors at Republic Services (with big, heavy trucks that are hard to stop quickly!) remind you to keep an eye on your children when they play near the street and to watch for moving vehicles. And if you're driving, please be on alert for children and pedestrians emerging from between parked cars. Stay safe, everyone!

• New COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard from WA Governor's Office

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  Yesterday, which marked 100 days since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Washington State, Governor Jay Inslee announced a new risk assessment dashboard to aid the state in gauging when and how to best lift restrictions around ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy” in Washington.

  The governor mentioned that in the coming weeks, the state will slowly start “turning the dial” on several physical distancing restrictions in accordance with changing epidemiological and public health data. More news is expected at his public briefing tomorrow.

• COVID-19 Updates for Construction Activity in Sammamish

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  See how the Governor's orders around construction impact ongoing projects within the City of Sammamish: https://www.sammamish.us/permits-regulations/permit-center/covid-19-updates/