City of Spokane
COVID-19 Community Update
June 5, 2020

#Inland Strong
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. For the most recent and local data on cases and outcomes, visit SRHD.org/covid19 .
Governor's Update
Today, Governor Inslee issued guidance for sporting activities in Phases 2 and 3. The guidance covers professional sporting activities, youth team sports and adult recreational team sports. 
Mayor's Update
Tuesday, June 5, 2020
Council Connection
Betsy Wilkerson - The East 5th Avenue Initiative
Playgrounds Re-Open
Today, the Spokane Regional Health District’s Health Officer re-opened playgrounds! Parks staff are moving around our nearly 90 parks to remove closure tape from play structures. You may still see some tape up, existing signs, and swings removed in places we haven’t reached yet with our small team. Please keep in mind that we don’t routinely sanitize play equipment, picnic tables, and similar amenities, so continue to use CDC precautions to avoid the spread of germs. We hope you continue to enjoy park spaces!

Youth team sports and adult recreational team sports: Governor’s updated guidance
Also today, the Governor issued additional guidance on youth team sports and adult recreational team sports. Our Parks & Recreation team is reviewing these new guidelines and will be in touch with user groups and our program participants next week. 
Staying Safe as Cases of COVID-19 Rise
Today, Spokane County reported the largest number of COVID-19 cases since we began and testing and reporting—with 57 new cases. Spokane County Health Director, Dr. Bob Lutz, responded to media questions and said that the high number is due to new outbreaks and increased testing.  Spokane is tracking outbreaks at long-term care facilities, adult family homes and at least two new workplaces. In Spokane we have conducted 3,900 tests in the last two weeks, compared to 2,300 tests collected the two weeks before that. It is important that we continue to adhere to health practices that help slow the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands, stay 6 feet away from other people and wear a mask in public spaces.
Join the Community Conversation
Spokane is not alone in responding to difficult and painful issues across the nation. We hope you will join in the discussion by learning, listening and gaining insight. The Spokane Public Library has put together a recommended list of books to help all of us better understand race relations and how we can move forward for positive change.
Your City at Work
Police, code enforcement officers and litter crews teamed up last year to form the "Pod". They respond to illegal camping and, at the same time, haul away the trash they generate. For its role in reducing illegal camping response times from two weeks to just four days, the Pod Team received the City’s Team Collaboration of the Year Award.
Moving Through the City
Lincoln Street between Spokane Falls Boulevard and Main Avenue will be closed starting Monday and continuing into September. Spokane Falls Boulevard will remain open to traffic, and access to the River Park Square parking garage on Lincoln will be maintained. The closure is needed as crews make the final sewer pipe connection to a huge underground storage tank located under the new public plaza across from the downtown library that is under construction.

For detailed information and weekly obstruction notices visit the City's website.
Boredom Buster: Create Your Couch
New to creative drawing? Spokane Public Library Arts Education Specialist This week, Angela took an Art Break to draw a picture of her couch with coloring pencils. This is a great way to practice your perspective drawing.
On the Bright Side
The CHAS Health East Central Dental Clinic construction is underway! Located on the corner of Lee and Hartson streets, the clinic will serve 4,000 people each year and have two full-time dentists and hygienists along with operations and outreach staff. The CHAS Health Dental Clinic is projected to open in October.
Need Utility Assistance?
Through the generosity of over 500 donors, a community relief fund for utilities is available. Those who need utility assistance can contact SNAP at (509) 456-SNAP to request support.

While the matching funds have been exhausted, donations for this effort are always appreciated.
Need Access to Food or Other Supplies?
Call 311 (509-755-2489 outside of city limits)
Need Mental Health Help During this Crisis?
Contact 24/7: Frontier Crisis Line (509) 838-4428
Contact or Walk-In: Inland Northwest Behavioral Health (509) 992-1888

CHAS Health: (509) 444-8200

Excelsior Wellness Center: (509) 559-3100
Help for children, adults and families is available via telehealth.

Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255



Lutheran Community Services: (509) 747-8224
Intensive Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy and Foster Care, are available.
#OrderUpSpokane with 10-minute parking zones near restaurants in the City core allows citizens and delivery drivers to efficiently pick up to-go orders. Check out these lists of restaurants you can support.
Stay in the Know
The Spokane County Emergency Coordination Center has been activated to respond to COVID-19 as a region. For daily updates and official local information follow Spokane COVID Response on Facebook, subscribe to their newsletter and visit spokanecovidresponse.org.
For Spokane County case data, visit SRHD.org/COVID19.
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