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

• King County Publishes New Emergency Food Access Resource

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  Public Health - Seattle & King County has created a new page containing information about food access programs and services to help support King County residents during this difficult time. Categories include General food resources; Food delivery resources; Food pick-up resources; Older adults and people with disabilities; Pregnant people, new moms and children under age 5; Children; People without shelter or who have low incomes (including teens); For U.S. citizens and legal immigrants; and State and federal resources.

• Governor Inslee extends 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' order through May 4

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  Governor Jay Inslee announced a month-long extension of his "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" emergency order Thursday evening. The order, which banned all gatherings and temporarily shuttered non-essential businesses, will continue through May 4.

  "Epidemiological modeling from the University of Washington predicts we will have at least 1,400 deaths this year," Inslee said. "We are yet to see the full toll of this virus in our state and the modeling we’ve seen could be much worse if we don’t continue what we’re doing to slow the spread."

  Public gatherings remain banned and non-essential businesses may reopen May 5.

  Read the full press release on the Washington Governor's web page and learn more on the Governor's Medium page.

• Mask Use in the General Population

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  Should everyone in the general public be wearing masks?

  Staying apart from other people is our best protection against COVID-19, but non-medical masks can be a supplement. Before deciding to wear a mask, Public Health recommends people keep two considerations central:

  Medical masks should be reserved for healthcare providers who are on the front lines working to protect us all. We have had shortages of those masks and it’s critically important that our healthcare workers have the equipment they need to do their jobs.

  Non-medical mask use (e.g., homemade fabric masks) does not replace the need to follow guidance to stay home and limit our contact with others. It does not replace frequent hand-washing, avoiding touching the face, and staying away from people who are ill. These are the most important steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 illness.

  How might homemade cloth mask use in the general public help slow the spread of COVID-19?

  Wearing a fabric mask can help prevent the spread of infection to others when the mask is worn by someone who already is infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they don’t have symptoms. The mask will block infectious droplets from spreading when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes and, to a lesser degree, speaks.

  To be effective, masks should be worn consistently and properly so as not to contaminate the hands or face of the user, and fabric masks should be changed when moist and washed after use. Masks that have been worn may be contaminated with infectious agents.

  What about if I make my own masks or repurpose things around the house like bandanas?

  Well-designed homemade or commercially manufactured masks for the public that do not draw on the supply needed by health care workers may provide some benefit, although that is uncertain. It is important for homemade or other masks to be well made, fit well, and be properly cleaned or sanitized.

  To be most effective, masks should be worn consistently and properly so as not to contaminate the hands or face of the user, and fabric masks should be changed when moist and washed after use.

  Most importantly, mask use should not make people less likely to take more important steps to prevent COVID-19 infection like staying home and avoiding all non-essential activities and contact with others, frequent hand-washing, and not touching the face (eyes, nose and mouth).

  What if I am caring for a loved one that is symptomatic?

  If you are caring for a loved one with a respiratory infection, you and your loved one should both wear masks when you are in close contact. If only one mask is available, give it to the person who is ill to wear.

  If no masks are available, help your loved one cover their cough when you are in the room. For instance, ask your loved one to cover their cough with a bandana, a sheet, or a blanket. These will not stop the spread of viral particles but may limit the distance of spread.

  People who are interested in more information on alternative personal protective equipment (PPE) can look to the WA Department of Health’s Guidance for Caregivers. It is still unclear how effective these strategies are and whether there is any potential risk of using alternatives to traditional PPE.

  
  

• Governor offers new reporting tool and enforcement guidance for "Stay Home, Stay Healthy"

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  Gov. Jay Inslee announced guidance Monday for state and local enforcement of his recent “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. The state has created a one-stop online form for reporting businesses potentially violating orders and is providing guidance to local law enforcement on enforcing bans on gatherings of individuals.

  “Since I announced the ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order for our state, we have seen social distancing and other compliance from businesses and residents across Washington for the good of the public health,” Inslee said. “But thousands of calls are also pouring in to state and local agencies from concerned residents, with reports that some individuals and businesses are not in compliance.

  “These people are concerned about their health, the health of others, and how the actions of those who willfully violate this order may ultimately drag out the COVID-19 crisis even longer.”

  Read the full story on the governor's Medium page.

• How Completing Your 2020 Census Keeps Sammamish Healthy

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  April 1, 2020, is Census Day in Sammamish and around the nation. The COVID-19 crisis highlights the importance of every resident being counted. The Census helps allocate federal funds that, among other things, ensure Sammamish residents have sufficient funding for public health, which will make us better able to combat health crises.

  Every 10 years, we count everyone in the country. The count is known as a national
  census. And when we say we count everyone, we mean everyone. All residents of
  every ethnicity, regardless of immigration status, including kids, seniors, military
  members, and people experiencing homelessness.

  When we all complete the 2020 Census, we show our community’s strength. A fair
  and accurate count of people will help the government determine how more than
  $675 billion in annual federal dollars are distributed. That’s funding for things like our
  schools, affordable housing, hospitals and health care, emergency services, and
  public transit.

  As we all grapple with the impacts of COVID-19, we’re reminded of how important it
  is to understand the needs of those in our community - and census statistics are a
  critical way for us to know what resources our community may need in urgent times.
  So, while we are staying indoors and protecting the health and safety of our
  community today, we encourage you to complete the census, and protect the
  health and safety of our community for the next 10 years, too.

  Remember - it is your right to complete the census, and it is illegal for the Census
  Bureau to share your information with anyone, including ICE and law enforcement,
  public assistance programs, and other agencies. All answers are kept confidential
  and used only to produce statistics. There is NO citizenship question.

  This is our moment to join together—as a neighborhood, a city, a county, a state, and
  a country—and make sure each and every one of us counts. We are ALL a part of this
  community and we ALL count.
  
  

  Complete your census, today. https://my2020census.gov/

  Below, we’ve listed some common questions about the
  2020 Census.

  What is the census?
  It’s how we count people living in the country—every resident, regardless of immigration
  status.

  Why should I participate?
  When we all complete the census, we help the government know where money is
  needed—for things like hospitals, schools, affordable housing, and transportation. It also
  determines how many representatives Washington state will have in Congress.

  Do I have to participate if I did it in 2010 or previous years?
  Yes. In order to count and help our communities, we must all be counted every 10 years.

  Is my information protected?
  Yes. You have the right to privacy in the census—all answers are protected and used only to
  produce statistics.

  Where does all this information go?
  Only the Census Bureau can see the census information. It’s illegal for the bureau to share it
  with any other agency, including ICE, public assistance programs, and other law
  enforcement.

  Is there a citizenship question?
  No—the census has NO citizenship question.

  When is the census happening?
  Starting March 12th, we all received letters in the mail about the census. From March
  through July, you can complete it online at my2020census.gov. If you don’t have Internet
  access or have questions, there are places in your community to complete the census with
  help. Or, a census staffer will visit your home to help make sure you’re counted.

  I don’t have access to a computer; can I complete the census any other way?
  The easiest way to complete the census is online. You can also complete it over the phone at
  844-330-2020 or with a paper form. Organizations in the community will also provide help to
  seniors, immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone else who needs
  assistance.

  How can I get help completing the census?
  For support, you can call the Census Bureau’s helpline:
  English 844-330-2020
  Spanish 844-468-2020
  Chinese (Mandarin) 844-391-2020
  Chinese (Cantonese) 844-398-2020
  Vietnamese 844-461-2020
  Korean 844-392-2020
  Russian 844-417-2020
  Arabic 844-416-2020
  Tagalog 844-478-2020
  Polish 844-479-2020
  French 844-494-2020
  Haitian Creole 844-477-2020
  Portuguese 844-474-2020
  Japanese 844-460-2020
  English (Puerto Rico) 844-418-2020
  Spanish (Puerto Rico) 844-426-2020
  Telephone Display
  Device (TDD) 844-467-2020

  What happens if I don’t complete the census?
  If you don’t complete the census online by early May, a census worker will come to your door
  to help you complete it. You’ll know they’re official because they’ll have a census worker
  badge.

  Do I have to pay money to take part?
  No! The Census Bureau and its staff will never ask you for money or for bank account
  information, social security number, or a political donation. If anyone asks you for money
  related to the census, they are trying to take advantage of you with a scam.

• King County postpones payment deadline to June 1 for individual property taxpayers

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  Individual residential and commercial taxpayers who pay property taxes themselves, rather than through their mortgage lender, can delay payment until June 1, 2020 due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. Banks and other financial institutions that pay property taxes on behalf of their lending customers will still need to meet the original April 30 deadline.
  

  Read more: https://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/constantine/news/release/2020/March/30-property-tax-extension.aspx

• New Quarantine and Isolation Order Issued 3/28

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  From Public Health - Seattle & King County:

  Quarantine and isolation

  Local Health Officer Directive and Order, effective as of March 28, 2020

  Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and have a test result pending may place other vulnerable members of the public at risk. To protect the health of our community and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Local Health Officer issued the following:

  Quarantine Directive

  Everyone with COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing) who has a test result pending, shall stay in an quarantine location (your home if you have one or in a government directed or publicly provided location if one is available) in accordance with CDC and Public Health guidance.

  If your test result is positive, you must then remain in isolation.

  Isolation Order

  All individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 shall enter and remain in isolation as follows:

  Do not leave your home or recovery facility, except to receive medical care.

  For individuals with symptoms, discontinue isolation only under the following conditions:

  • At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); AND,
  • At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

  For individuals who tested positive but have not had any symptoms, discontinue isolation when at least 7 days have passed since the date of the first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test, and there has been no subsequent illness.

  Compliance

  All individuals are strongly urged to voluntarily comply with this directive and order without delay.

  Individuals who fail to comply may be subject to involuntary detention pursuant to public health authority under RCW 70.05.070 (2)-(3) and WAC 246-100-036 (3).

  For more information

  See the complete order for additional details, including conditions of quarantine and isolation.

  
  

• An Important Message from Mayor Karen Moran

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  Hi friends and neighbors, I’m Karen Moran, Mayor of Sammamish.

  I’m here to update you on COVID-19 and how the City of Sammamish is responding to this health crisis.

  We can all help in eliminating this pandemic by heeding Governor Inslee’s “stay home and stay healthy” order. If you need to leave your homes for essential trips for groceries and prescriptions, please maintain social distancing of at least six feet apart.

  Unless you have been identified as an essential worker by the Governor, you must stay home. If you have children, please keep them safe by keeping them home.

  The City of Sammamish is working closely with King County and Washington’s Department of Health to adopt and enforce safety guidelines. One of them is the closing of parks and playgrounds. Of course we cannot close the great outdoors. If going out for a walk, again, please maintain a minimum of six feet apart.

  The City has developed an online COVID-19 resource and information center for residents and businesses. Economic, public health, and mental health resources as well as emergency preparedness information are included, along with up-to-the-minute updates from King County and the State.
  
  Please visit: connect.sammamish.us

  I would like to thank police, fire, and all services and city staff for continuing to protect our City and keeping us safe. Almost 85% of city staff are working from home, but our service and maintenance workers are working daily to keep our City functioning.

  Let’s do what we can to support our local restaurants and small businesses. And, as a former nurse, and the mother of two health workers at Providence, I especially want to thank the healthcare workers.

  Tonight, and every night at 8pm, I will join a global movement by standing outside my doorway to applaud and thank all of our frontline workers. Please join me in expressing our gratitude. We are truly all in this together. Never before has it been more important for our wonderfully diverse community to come together and support one another.

  Sammamish, we must stick together by staying apart. Stay safe! Thank you!

  
  

• "Stay at Home" FAQs from Sammamish Police Department

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  From the Desk of the Chief:

  
  

  This past Monday, Governor Jay lnslee issued Proclamation 20-25; an unprecedented "Stay at Home" directive in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. The proclamation can be viewed in its entirety here.

  Over the past week, members of the Sammamish Police Department have been asked numerous questions about law enforcement's role during this time in our society, and in our City.

  
  

  In an effort to keep you informed, we have complied frequently asked questions (FAQs), along with information to address each question.

  
  

  The national media has reported that some police agencies are not making arrests during the COVID-19 outbreak. ls this the case in Sammamish?

  No. Sammamish Police Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, on active patrol, and making arrests when it is deemed necessary to ensure the safety of our community and the protection of victims.

  
  

  In order to protect staff and the public, officers have been instructed to take lower priority, non in-­progress calls via the phone (phone reports) when appropriate. This is a common practice even during "normal" circumstances, but I have stressed that SPD staff utilize this practice as much as possible to ensure social distancing until the COVID-19 outbreak subsides. Police officers will respond in to in-­progress, emergency calls, or criminal activity that an officer observes while on patrol. If your situation requires officers to be on-scene, they will be there!

  
  

  Our District court, in Issaquah, is operational, but closed to the public for obvious reasons. The only change in their service has been extended scheduling of cases, but they are still conducting in-custody arraignments.

  
  

  The jail services we use have implemented some new intake and booking restrictions in an attempt to minimize exposure of staff and the contamination of the jail population. These restrictions do not affect serious felonies, and crimes that require mandatory in-custody arrests by state law, at this time.

  
  

  Are we under Martial Law?
  

  No - and we (Sammamish and Washington State) are nowhere near such a situation. Martial Law is a significant and extreme government action, initiated at either the state or federal level, and done so under intense legal scrutiny. This measure is only reserved for the most extraordinary circumstances. Martial Law is only enacted in order to reestablish or maintain law and order because achieving such cannot be accomplished without utilizing military/Federal resources and severely curtailing civil liberties. The current "Stay at Home" Governor's proclamation IS NOT a Martial law action. Furthermore, we have no indication from either the state or federal government that any form of Martial Law will be implemented, or is even being considered.

  
  

  Is the Governor's "Stay at Home" proclamation legally enforceable?
  

  Yes. Pursuant to RCW 43.06.220 State of Emergency-Powers of Governor Pursuant to Proclamation, a violation of this proclamation is a Gross Misdemeanor, and could result in arrest.

  
  

  While Sammamish Police Officers can arrest for the willful, wanton and deliberate violation of the Governor's proclamation, enforcement through arrest is not our goal or first course of action. Our community has shown that they understand the severity of the situation and are doing all they can to keep themselves, their families and neighbors safe and healthy.

  
  

  When Sammamish Police Officers encounter someone -or a group of people- not in compliance, we will focus on education of the proclamation and awareness on how to keep themselves, the community and especially our most vulnerable citizens safe.

  
  

  DO NOT confront individuals or groups that you think are not complying with the "Stay at Home" proclamation. Keep in mind there are exemptions to the proclamation, and you may not know the entire situation you are observing. Please use maturity and discretion when calling the police if you feel there is a violation of the "Stay at Home" proclamation. The Sammamish Police Department continues to prioritize and modify police services in order to safely address the COVID-19 threat.

  
  

  We are here to serve you, and you make the decision to call upon us whenever you feel it's appropriate but please, remember the traditional reasons for calling 9-1-1 remain the same: a need for police or fire services for a genuine emergency or serious crime. It is even more important to be mindful of the legitimate reasons to call 9-1-1, when available emergency services may become overtaxed due to the current extraordinary public health situation.

  
  

  As stated above, if you need us, we will be there. Your police officers do not have the option to "stay at home," and they are working hard to protect you during this time- you can protect them by STAYING AT HOME. Self-regulating and following the "Stay at Home" proclamation will allow the Sammamish Police Department to continue its core duties of providing emergency services, crime prevention and overall public safety within our community.
  

  
  

  What is the Sammamish Police Department's enforcement philosophy during this time?
  

  During this health crisis, and especially while we are all adhering to the "Stay at Home" proclamation in our community, the Sammamish Police Department's enforcement philosophy and service priorities are, but are not limited to:
  

  
  

  1)Preserve the peace, health and welfare of our community.

  2)Proactive suppression and deterrence of crime, and the support of public order, especially around closed businesses and areas most impacted by the current health crisis.

  3)Swift and efficient response to in-progress incidents and calls for service.

  4)To provide assistance and comfort to our community focused on supporting public health officials, safety education and guidance on non-medical safe practices against COVID-19.

  
  

  This is an unprecedented time for law enforcement in our state and nation. As the Chief, my priority is to ensure staff safety so we can provide emergency police services to Sammamish for an indefinite period of time, under all conditions. This means being prepared to provide Sammamish adequate police services

  even if we are forced to work at reduced staffing levels due to ill or quarantined officers. Because of these considerations, we have to do everything we can to minimize possible exposure of police employees, and prioritize the calls Sammamish Police Officers actually have to respond to in person, as opposed to handling remotely. Our partnership with the King County Sheriff's Office will help support us in maintaining these services.

  
  

  The media has reported that some public safety agencies do not have enough equipment to protect staff from COVID-19. What about the Police Department?

  Every Sammamish Police employee has been issued Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) and associated training on pathogen precautions.

  
  

  The Sammamish Police Department trains annually on an "all hazards" approach to preparedness and public safety. While no one could have anticipated a global pandemic, taking a proactive approach to general readiness has helped us deal with the extraordinarily fluid conditions we now find ourselves in. While we cannot forecast the escalation of COVID-19, currently we have the resources to operate for an extended period of time. We are developing intermediate and long-term contingency plans for supply and stock replenishment if the situation worsens. Recently the Sammamish Chinese community provided cleaning supplies and masks to local fire departments, police and hospitals. Another community member donated a generous supply of hand sanitizer.

  
  

  I saw a Sammamish Police Officer wearing a mask and gloves, should I be concerned?
  

  No - in fact, you should feel more secure. As part of our pathogen precautions and training, officers have been instructed to use P.P.E. (Personal Protective Equipment) whenever they deem it necessary in order to keep them and the public safe. An officer WILL NOT be working if they are ill or have a confirmed case of COVID-19. If you see any of our staff wearing protective equipment it's only as a precaution, based upon the circumstances they are dealing with. We are not medical experts, so we cannot make a determination of someone's medical condition - but officers have been told, when in doubt, wear P.P.E. Police officers also commonly encounter other infectious diseases during the course of their normal duties, to include Tuberculosis, MRSA and Hepatitis.

  
  

  This means the protective equipment you observe our officers wearing may not be related to COVID-19. Either way, officers' P.P.E. is as much for your safety as it is for theirs - no need to worry.

  
  

  The above FAQs are a conglomeration of many of the legitimate questions we are being asked -all with three common themes: COVID-19, the "Stay at Home" proclamation, and DPD's role during this time. I hope the answers to these questions provide some clarification. Please note, we are not responding to questions or comments posted on social media.

  
  

  If you are reporting a crime or suspicious incident, please only use the following numbers:

  •Non-emergency dispatch: 206-296-3311

  •Emergency / In-progress crimes: 9-1-1

  •On line reporting: www.reporttosheriff.org

  
  

  In closing, we understand this is a stressful and uncertain time. We are here, and proud to serve the Sammamish community. If you need us, call us - We will be there.

  
  

  Stay safe and healthy,

  
  

  Chief Daniel Pingrey

  
  

• Domestic Violence Resources

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  With communities across the nation staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a challenging byproduct is that victims of domestic violence are being trapped with their abusers. With the health crisis extending the contact between abusers, survivors, and their children for a much longer and intense duration, local and national organizations that serve domestic violence survivors are seeing an increase in calls. Like COVID-19, signs of domestic abuse are not always visible. If you need help, contact Lifewire at 800-827-8840 or 425-746-1940.