By Steve Powell
spowell@marysvilleglobe.com
MARYSVILLE – Along with obvious health concerns, Mayor Jon Nehring is worried about economic consequences of the coronavirus locally.
In a video, Nehring encourages residents to support local businesses struggling to survive during these times.
For example, he said he and his family are going to order take-out from restaurants more often than usual.
He said many things are being done to reduce the rate of the spreading of the virus that will change lives for the time being.
“They may be uncomfortable but they are necessary to save lives,” he says in the video.
Nehring encourages folks to practice good hygiene, stay home if sick and to stay 3 to 6 feet away from others whenever possible.
He is working with school, county and regional leaders on updates and with experts to come up with contingency plans if the pandemic worsens.
Nehring asked that people help vulnerable seniors with their needs, and to use technology to keep in close contact with each other.
He asks that people try to maintain balance in their lives – keeping informed with factual updates from the Snohomish Health District website, but also getting away from the news and doing things they enjoy.
“Take care of yourself and your loved ones,” he concludes in the video.
County Executive Dave Somers sent out a message Friday.
”Shutting down schools and canceling large events have been shown to disrupt transmission of disease and flatten the curve of infection rates,” he says. “It is one of the most-effective tools to ease the expected burden on our health system.”
He goes on to say: “We are all facing a pandemic for the first time, creating anxiety for many. I know we are all concerned for the well-being of family, friends, and neighbors, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. However, we have been through challenging times before and have always helped each other when it is most needed.”
Washington U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell said Friday that she supports President Trump’s National Emergency Declaration. “Those of us from states where COVID-19 is hitting early know that more resources, tools, and flexibility are critically needed right now,” she says in her released statement.
She added that the declaration will free up more than $50 billion in federal resources for states and local communities. It will allow Washington hospitals more flexibility to care for COVID-19 patients and expand critical testing to meet the medical needs as a result of the pandemic.
She said she also supports the Democratic proposal to provide free testing for COVID-19; paid family and sick leave for those impacted by COVID-19; and emergency unemployment insurance for those who are unable to work due to the outbreak; and food security for children on the school lunch program, SNAP, seniors, and food banks.
“These steps are critical, but there is more we need to do. I will continue working with my colleagues to find main street solutions for small businesses, our economy, and everyone who has been impacted by this crisis,” she says.
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What people can do to help
•Check with community members and neighbors, especially those who live alone and have other underlying medical conditions.
•Food & other supplies: Individuals may need help accessing food and supplies. Meals on Wheels, food banks or store deliveries may need to be arranged. If you set up a meal train, leave supplies outside the door to avoid potential exposure to someone who is sick.
•Medications and other medical necessities: Work with medical providers or social service agencies familiar with the individual to ensure that medications and related supplies can be delivered. •Social connections: Social isolation can be challenging. Find options to communicate with and engage your neighborhoods and community members who may be in isolation or quarantine.
EVENT CANCELLATIONS
The “Village Gala 2020,” an annual event and auction fundraiser for local non-profit Village Community Services, has been postponed from April 18 to Oct. 7. The formal, black-tie event will remain at Angel of the Winds Casino Resort in Arlington and will feature live entertainment, full-service dinner, raffle prizes, and a live auction. VCS supports individuals with disabilities in achieving personal potential at home, work and in community life. The rescheduled event will be open to the public with ticket prices starting at $75.
MARYSVILLE
•Sno-Isle Libraries: Closed.
•Marysville parks: Is canceling or postponing classes until April 12, along with Baxter Community Center.
•To pay utility bills: by phone 360-363-8777; online www.marysvillewa.gov; drop off at brown box behind City Hall; questions call 360-363-8001 or email utilitybilling@marysvillewa.gov
•Municipal court: From March 16-31, infraction hearings will be held by email only. For other scheduled court cases, contact the court ahead of time to report illness or quarantine ordered by a physician. Jury trials are canceled for all of April. Pay fines and penalties online, by phone or by mail. Questions, call 360-363-8050.
•Police: Only one person at a time inside lobby; fingerprinting services suspended. •Salvation Army: Is temporarily suspending community meals. It will continue to offer meals but served in “to-go” boxes. The WASH truck and clothing bank are temporarily suspended. The cold weather shelter will carry on depending on weather.
ARLINGTON
•Meetings: Canceling and postponing some city meetings. Check www.arlingtonwa.gov/calendar for update. For critical meetings, limiting participants to required attendance only. Canceling reservations for community rooms.
•Cleaning: Proper hand hygiene and sanitation must be readily available to all attendees and employees. Environmental cleaning guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are followed (e.g., clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily or more frequently). Implementing additional protocols for city facilities
•Work: Implementing telecommuting options for employees. Implementing daily briefings for city leaders
•Passports: Suspending services starting March 16 until further notice
•Bill pay: Requesting online www.xpressbillpay.com/ or by phone at 360-403-3421
•Social distancing: Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions that are at increased risk of serious COVID-19 are encouraged not to attend. Social distancing limit contact within 6 feet for 10 minutes or longer. Please call or e-mail rather than coming to city hall, the airport office, permit center and public works office. Use the online permit process, and mail in plans when paper copies are required. Any visitors who exhibit symptoms will be kindly required to leave and not return until they are well
•Police: Restricting access to lobby. File no-suspect, non-emergency police reports at www.mycrimereport.us. Suspending Citizen Volunteer Program. Suspending discretionary fingerprinting. We will continue to take appointments for Concealed Pistol License fingerprinting.
•Fire: Restricting access to stations. Increasing personnel safety protections with Body Substance Isolation protocols
•Sno-Isle Libraries: Closed.
•Food: The city and Arlington Public Schools are working with the Arlington Boys & Girls Club on a plan for alternative child care and food distribution while schools are closed for six weeks. Arlington Food Bank will be providing all services, however; the interior will be closed to the public. The food bank will provide groceries in packed boxes in order to limit exposure for clients, staff and volunteers. Clients with compromised medical conditions are asked to park and remain in their vehicle, call 360-435-1631 to request their order.
