Update on Kirkland’s Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

Published on March 01, 2020

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City continues to operate its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate our response to the presence of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our community. 

City Hall will delay opening until at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 2, in order to provide City staff with training on social distancing procedures and other precautionary measures.  Passport services will be open at 12 p.m.  Peter Kirk Community Center, North Kirkland Community Center, and the Kirkland Justice Center will all open at their normal time.

“City staff are working around the clock to coordinate our response, including being in close communication with Public Health – Seattle & King County,” said Mayor Penny Sweet. “Our priority is to protect our community and support our firefighters and police officers during this time.”

The Kirkland Fire and Police Departments remain fully staffed and are responding to calls as normal.  City’s first responders have CDC-recommended personal protection equipment and are following recommended protocols. 

“I am so grateful for the incredible dedication of our first responders,” said Mayor Penny Sweet.  “Their willingness to go the extra mile to serve our community is truly inspiring.  We are doing everything we can to ensure that they are supported throughout this process.”

The City has received requests from residents wondering how they can assist in the response.  The most important thing people can do right now is heed Public Health - Seattle & King County’s recommendations and take specific actions to reduce the risk individuals and families, including:

  • More hand washing; less face touching. Regular handwashing for at least 20 seconds will decrease risk that the virus is transmitted.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
  • Be prepared at home:
    • Have a plan to care for family members should they get sick or schools/offices be closed.
    • Know workplace telecommute options and school/daycare policies.
    • Stock up on food supplies and prescription medications now to avoid leaving home if you or someone in your household becomes infected.

The City also encourages community members to follow the recommendations provided by the Public Health - Seattle & King County, including:

  • 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 informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health’s website (www.kingcounty.gov/COVID) or Public Health Insider blog.

The City will continue to update its website with information on the COVID-19 outbreak. 

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