The City continues to operate its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate our response to the presence of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our community.
This remains a quickly evolving event. The City of Kirkland currently has twenty-seven firefighters and three police officers in quarantine. Two firefighters have now been released after completing their recommended quarantine period. All thirty first responders are linked to responses to incidents at the Life Care Center of Kirkland. Twelve first responders are showing flu-like symptoms, and nineteen have confirmed direct exposure. Most are in isolation or quarantine at home. Fire Station 21 continues to be kept offline and is available to firefighters for isolation, a second facility is being used for quarantine.
As of the morning of Wednesday, March 4, ten Kirkland firefighters and seven family members had been tested for COVID-19 at the Evergreen Hospital. We are currently waiting for results, which will go first to Seattle & King County Public Health then to the patient.
The Kirkland Fire and Police Departments remain fully staffed and responding to calls as normal. City first responders have CDC recommended personal protection equipment and are following recommended protocols.
Seattle & King County Public Health have revised their recommendations to the public (please note that these are recommendations not mandates):
- King County is recommending people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups people. People at higher risk include people 60 and older, people with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, people who have weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant.
- Workplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so.
- If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings. Large groups are considered more than 10 people.
King County is not currently recommending that schools be closed.
More information from Seattle & King County Public Health is available at https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/news/2020/March/4-covid-recommendations.aspx
City leadership is meeting this afternoon to determine how to respond to these new recommendations.
The City will continue to update its website with information on the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information and updates, please follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/kirklandwa.gov/ and Twitter at: https://twitter.com/kirklandgov.
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State and local health officials announced new guidance to King County residents aimed at reducing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. While all residents can take steps now, people with underlying health conditions are urged to follow recommendations to avoid large gatherings of people.
State and local officials announced today new recommendations to King County residents aimed at reducing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. We understand these actions will have a tremendous impact on the lives of people in our community. We are making these recommendations in consultation with CDC based on the best information we have currently to protect the public's health.
This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County and these measures can potentially impact the spread of the disease.
Public Health is recommending, but not requiring, the following steps:
- People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
- People 60 and older
- People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
- People who have weakened immune systems
- People who are pregnant
- Workplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so. Taking these measures can help reduce the number of workers who come into contact with COVID-19 and help minimize absenteeism due to illness
- If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings.
- Public Health is not recommending closing schools at this time unless there has been a confirmed case in the school. Public Health – Seattle & King County also respects an individual school's decisions about closures or postponement of activities as each school knows the needs of their community best.
- All people should not go out when they are sick.
- Avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities, or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you need to go, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.
More detail on these measures will be available at www.kingcounty.gov/covid
Case update:
COVID-19 test results have come back from the Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirming ten additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents including one death. With these ten new results, the total number of cases in King County is 31. The total number of deaths is nine.
The ten new cases are in:
- A female in her 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
- A male in his 50s, associated with Life Care, not hospitalized
- A male in his 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
- A female in her 70s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
- A male in his 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at Evergreen
- A female in her 90s, Life Care resident, was hospitalized at Evergreen and died on 3/3/20
- A female in her 70s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
- A male in his 30s, no known exposure, not hospitalized
- A female in her teens, associated with Life Care, not hospitalized
- A male in his 80s, a resident of Life Care, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
No other details about the 10 cases reported today are available currently.
21 other cases, already reported earlier by Public Health, include:
- A female in her 40s, worked at LifeCare, never hospitalized and is recovering at home
- A female in her 60s, family member of a confirmed case of COVID-19, not hospitalized
- A male in his 70s, a frequent visitor of LifeCare, hospitalization status unknown currently
- A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
- A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
- A female in her 80s, resident of LifeCare, never hospitalized, died on 2/26/20
- A male in his 50s, resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center and died on 2/26/20
- A male in his 50s, hospitalized at Highline Hospital. No known exposures. He is in stable but critical condition. He had no underlying health conditions.
- A male in his 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
- A female in her 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
- A female in her 80s, a resident of LifeCare, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. She is in critical condition.
- A female in her 80s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. This person died on 3/1/20.
- A female in her 90s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland.
- A male in his 70s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
- A male in his 70s was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. He had underlying health conditions and died on 2/29/20.
- A man in his 60s, hospitalized at Valley Medical Center in Renton.
- A man in 60s, hospitalized at Virginia Mason Medical Center.
- A woman in her 50s, who had traveled to South Korea; recovering at home
- A woman in her 70s, who was a resident of LifeCare in Kirkland, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth and died on 3/2/20
- A woman in her 40s, employed by LifeCare, who is hospitalized at Overlake Medical Center
- A man in his 50s, who was hospitalized and died 2/28/20 at EvergreenHealth
What Public Health is doing:
This is a massive undertaking and we have a talented, dedicated team digging in to learn everything we can to protect the health of our community. What we have seen with the level of community spread has raised the level of concern about the immediate threat of COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people over 60, those with underlying health conditions or who are immune compromised.
King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center:
- If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you're a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact our novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977.
- The call center will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM PT.
- For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.
When to seek medical evaluation and advice:
- If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
- If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
In addition to the recommendations listed above, the public can help:
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Do not go to the emergency room unless essential.Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
- Stay home when sick.
- Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
- Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health's website (kingcounty.gov/COVID) or blog (www.publichealthinsider.com).
Remember to take every day preventive action such as watching hands, and if you are sick stay home. During an outbreak with a new virus there is a lot of uncertainty. Our guidance and advice is subject to change as we learn more. We will continue to keep you updated.
The City Council covered a range of topics during its meeting on Tuesday, March 3. Council meetings can be viewed in their entirety on the City website. Here is a short summary on a few of the topics discussed:
Shoreline Master Program Update
The City Council provided guidance on the final three outstanding issues that needed resolution before adoption of the updated Shoreline Master Program: 1) the allowable length of a pier on a single-family property, 2) retention of an administrative approval option that allows shoreline applicants to request State and federal permits for piers that would not fully meet City regulations, and 3) the disposition of a rule that requires overwater structures, like boathouses, which don’t conform to existing zoning rules, to be removed when a primary residence is being subject to significant development activity. Regarding the overwater structure rule, City Council directed staff to bring back options for incorporating a project to eliminate the rule in a future Planning Work Program. Staff will return to the next City Council meeting with a Shoreline Master Program that is ready for adoption.
Missing Middle Housing
The City Council endorsed sweeping changes to the City’s Zoning Code in order to encourage the development of new neighborhood-compatible housing that is more affordable by nature of its more compact size – including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), cottages, duplexes and triplexes. The code changes would allow these housing types to be developed in all single-family zones, and would foster additional housing supply by reducing parking requirements in locations well-served by transit, eliminating the requirement that owners live on a property with an ADU, allowing two ADUs per property, and making the permit review and approval process more streamlined. Staff will return to the next City Council meeting with code amendments that can be adopted by Council.
Women's History Month Proclamation
The City Council proclaimed the month of March as Women's History Month, in recognition of the social, economic, military, cultural and political achievements of women past and present, and in celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The proclamation was received by members of the Kirkland Woman's Club, Kirkland elected officials and members of Kirkland City staff. Mayor Penny Sweet read the proclamation, which called on all residents to celebrate the accomplishments of Kirkland women in the arts, culture, business, nonprofit, religious and civic institutions in the City. "Through the courageous 'deeds, not words' of these remarkable women, Kirkland is one of the best cities in America to live, work and play," Sweet said.
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The City collaborated with King County Metro and 80 other local community organizations to increase transportation services and support the needs of our growing region. We’re excited to see the changes that King County Metro is bringing! Starting March 21, Metro will provide you with more service, increased evening and weekend options, and better connections to Sound Transit Link light rail and RapidRide. To learn more about what’s changing and to see whether your route is affected, visit: kingcounty.gov/GetReady
Also starting March 21, new routes may mean new connections to Sound Transit Link light rail or buses. If you pay cash to ride a Metro bus, your paper transfer will not be accepted on Sound Transit services and you will need to pay separately for that portion of your trip. With an ORCA card you only have to pay the difference between your two fares when you transfer. To get a free $25 ORCA card, visit: justonetrip.org/GetReady
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Free Confidential Shredding and Styrofoam Recycling
Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kirkland Maintenance Center at 915 8th Street
This Saturday, March 7, Kirkland residents can bring their block styrofoam to be recycled and confidential papers to be shredded. Styrofoam should be clean and dry, and all tape and labels removed. Each household can shred up to four file-size boxes (or equivalent) of papers for free. Shredding will be completed by Confidential Material Management onsite at the event, and all paper shredded will be recycled. Shredding at an event instead of at home allows the paper to be recycled; pre-shredded paper is not accepted in your recycle or food+yard carts. If you are feeling unwell, please wait to attend the next free event with shredding and styrofoam recycling on May 16. For more information, including details on accepted items, please visit: Kirkland Styrofest.
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