This week,?Governor Inslee?announced an extension of the ?Stay Home, Stay Healthy? order until May 4. I know it?s tough and adds to the uncertainty we already feel, but it?s the right thing to do. Without a vaccine, social distancing is the only tool we have to truly combat this virus, and?preliminary data?shows these measures are making a significant impact on transmission in Seattle and King County.?It?s why as we head into the peak of the virus, we must continue our actions to stay home unless traveling to an essential job or essential business like a grocery store, pharmacy, or restaurant for take-out.

There is still so much unknown about the virus, but we know that it can be particularly severe for people over 60 and for those with underlying health conditions. It?s why we moved quickly to request that anyone working at the City over the age of 60 stay at home. Since then, we?ve worked with our partners to ensure seniors have the information they need to stay healthy and to receive the meals they relied on before this pandemic began.

Click to watch this week's update

On Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m., I am joining AARP Washington and public health experts for a tele-townhall for seniors to discuss the impacts of the virus, the services available to seniors, and how to remain vigilant. I encourage those who can and are interested to join by calling toll free at 1-855-962-0970 at 11:00 a.m. PT on Wednesday, April 8, or view online at?www.facebook.com/AARPWA.

AARP Washington has been a leader during this public heath crisis. They compiled a?page?that lists local, county, state and nationwide resources for seniors as well as a?Q&A?with helpful information. For caregivers, they?ve put together?best practices?as they help seniors get through this tough time.

You can also continue to find resources in the City of Seattle for all residents?here. This includes resources for utility assistance, food programs including for seniors, and childcare. It also includes information on state and federal programs such as SBA loans and unemployment assistance.??

This pandemic will be one of the most transformative moments in our region's history.?We will get through it, but we will only get through it together by looking out for each other and the most vulnerable among us.

I urge everyone to stay home unless you are doing something absolutely essential, especially those over 60 or with an underlying health condition. It will save lives.

City of Seattle Continues to Address COVID-19 Impacts on Our City

Measures to encourage social distancing have been tough for our regional economy. To combat this, the City has put measures ?in place that bring some relief to local small businesses and workers. From providing assistance for utility payments, to providing thousands of families grocery vouchers, to issuing grants for our small businesses, we?re prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable communities.

Building on those initiatives this week, the City:

• Launched a #SupportSeattleSmallBiz Map to help residents find small businesses providing takeout or delivery in their neighborhoods. If you?re a business owner interested in adding your information to the #SupportSeattleSmallBiz map, please contact the City at [email protected].
• Announced the temporarily elimination of paid and time-limited street parking rules to support residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic effective Saturday, April 4.
• Announced temporary changes to the land use permitting process that prioritize affordable housing development by allowing experienced City staff to complete review processes, and enlists community participation by replacing in-person meetings with virtual and electronic outreach.

While addressing the economic needs of the region is critical, we continue to combat the invisible threat that is the virus. Social distancing is helping ease some pressure from our regional health care system, but confirmed cases are still expected to rise and our local hospitals will need additional capacity.

Last weekend, Mayor Durkan and Governor Inslee participated in a press conference as they welcomed a new field hospital being stood up at Centurylink Field by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA. Three hundred soldiers from the 627th Army Hospital from Fort Carson, Colorado have deployed to Seattle to staff the hospital, which is expected to create at least 150 hospital beds for non-COVID-19 cases.

Fill Out Your 2020 Census Online!

April 1 was Census Day. From March 12-20, households received the first of several invitations to participate in the 2020 Census. This invitation included a unique ID code that can be used to complete the Census online. Seattle residents can go online, with or without that code, and fill out their Census form at www.my2020census.gov. The Census form can be completed online, by phone, or by mail; a citizenship question is not included.

A complete Census count would ensure Seattle receives its fair share of federal resources, as significant funding is at stake for other federal programs that Seattle families and communities rely on, including Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicare and Medicaid.

Last week, Mayor Durkan sent a letter to the United States Census Bureau requesting that the Bureau extend the 2020 Census deadline from August 14, 2020 to September 30, 2020. The letter was co-led by Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City, Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago, and Mayor Sam Liccardo of San Jose.