Each day, information evolves about Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). At the City, we want our citizens and visitors to know that we are working to reduce the spread of this disease in our community, continue to provide critical City services, and address impacts of closures of schools, business and events.
You and Your Loved Ones
Social distancing measures that limit interaction between people help to slow the spread of disease. Washington Governor Jay Inslee has ordered a series of social distancing measures, limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people and closing restaurant dining, bars, and other businesses. Today he recommended that people 60 years and older shelter in place.
See the summary of these measures
.
Leadership
City leaders, including Mayor Nadine Woodward and City Administrator Wes Crago, are in regular contact with the community's health experts to understand what's happening in our community.
The City's Incident Management Team meets daily to identify community and organizational needs. The Team includes about 20 staff members from across all our departments. Our Team is coordinating internal protective measures, procuring necessary equipment and facilities, and acting to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our community. And, they are working with the City Council to provide City resources to help our community respond.
We have developed protocols for our firefighters and police officers so they can safely respond to calls for service. We are working to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community, including those experiencing homelessness. Our plans also define how critical public services, like the delivery of clean drinking water, weekly garbage pickup, and processing of wastewater, will continue uninterrupted.
Meanwhile, the Team is coordinating with the County, Spokane Public Schools, and other jurisdictions in our area. And, the City is part of the regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that's designed to collaborate on the region's response to this situation.
Accessing City and Business Services
The orders to implement social distancing have required the City to cancel some events, close certain facilities and change hours and ways to interact. These areas include My Spokane 311, Development Services Center, Inspections, Code Enforcement, Office of Neighborhood Services, Libraries, Parks and Recreation and Public Safety.
Here's a list of what's changed and how things will work. Rest assured, critical services such as providing water and solid waste pick-up are a top priority. The City is continually adjusting its staffing and operations to support the infrastructure of the City of Spokane.
Business and Citizen Help
While the social distancing measures will help the spread of disease, they will create a hardship for some citizens and businesses. The City is working on plans and programs to help, engaging with community stakeholders and collaborating in regional response efforts.
- To help residents, the City has suspended late fees and water shut-offs for non-payment of City utility bills.
- Avista has announced that it is suspending power utility shut-offs during this time.
- Parking services will continue to take complaints, however will adjust by allowing continuous stay parking over 72 hours, only towing vehicles that are a danger to the public and temporarily suspend booting vehicles with parking violation fees.
- Spokane Public Schools is working to assist with student resources and nutrition needs.
- The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has compiled resources for families who need financial assistance.
- The City’s Community, Housing and Human Services department is mobilizing resources and facilities for those experiencing homelessness.
The City has started the #OrderUpSpokane campaign to encourage people to order take out from their favorite restaurants. New, free 10-minute parking zones near restaurants in the City core will allow citizens and delivery drivers to efficiently pick up to-go orders. Check out this list of
restaurants offering takeout and delivery options
.
The City also is working with Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Downtown Spokane Partnership for economic response and recovery. The City has compiled a
list of resources
that businesses might find helpful as they work to respond to this situation. Businesses can also visit the
Washington State Department of Commerce
to learn about ways the state is helping.
Parks & Recreation
Governor Inslee’s emergency proclamation from March 16, coupled with recommendations from President Trump and the Spokane Regional Health District, is leading to temporary changes in the operations of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. We are also aligning some closures with facilities at Spokane Public Schools.
View the latest impacts to Parks & Recreation, including Golf
.
Parks, trails, and natural areas remain open for public use at this time, with the exception of Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park. Please follow the
CDC’s guidelines on how to stop the spread of germs
when enjoying these spaces, including social distancing. You may find some restrooms closed; we apologize and appreciate your understanding at this time.
City of Spokane Library
All City of Spokane Public Library locations are closed, and these closures will remain in effect until at least April 13. We will continually monitor the situation and the impact on our facilities beyond the 30-day timeline. We have made this decision based on developing best practice and have not taken the decision lightly.
View impacts to Libraries
.
All physical material due dates will be extended to Monday, April 13. Book return drops will be closed.
