May 13, 2020 | Vol. 15 | No. 20
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 Mask Directive Announced by King County Public Health
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| Click to learn more from King County |
Starting on
Monday, May 18, King County residents
are directed by the County Health Officer to wear face coverings in most public settings. The directive includes both indoor settings such as grocery stores, retail and other businesses, and also outdoors whenever it's difficult to maintain six feet of separation from others. Face coverings are not directed to be worn when exercising outdoors (e.g: walking, hiking, bicycling, or running), if appropriate social distancing is po
ssible.
Employees of restaurant take-out and other quick-serve food businesses, who prepare, carry out, and deliver food are strongly urged to wear masks. Users of buses, light rail, and other forms of public transportation are also asked to wear masks. The directive relies on voluntary compliance: there is not a fine, nor will there be police enforcement, for those not wearing masks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define cloth face coverings as including cloth masks, scarves and bandanas, or any well-fitting homemade fabric face covering. The CDC also makes clear that cloth face coverings should: include multiple layers of fabric; allow for breathing without restriction; and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
Make sure you are using and
wearing your mask properly
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Parks and Recreation Department Service Reductions
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| Click to read the full news release |
Today the City announced an extension of Parks and Recreation facility closures and program and rental cancellations. In response to the coronavirus pandemic and Governor Inslee's
Safe Start Washington: A Phased Approach to Recovery
, the following measures are effective as of today:
- The Community Center (MICEC) will remain closed until August 31. Facility rentals and summer recreation/camp programs are also canceled through August 31. This includes the VOICE/SVP community service programs for students.
- All private outdoor event rentals are canceled through August 31; picnic areas are anticipated to reopen during Phase 2 and will be available on a "First Come, First Served" basis with no reservation required.
- All athletic field rentals are canceled through June 30. It is anticipated that athletic leagues may resume during Phase 3. Staff will be coordinating with user groups for bookings after June 30.
"We are disappointed in the extended closure of the MICEC and cancellation of our summer recreation programs,"
City Manager Jessi Bon
said. "I know that families, mine included, across the Island look forward to our summer camps, recreation, and service programs. Unfortunately, we just don't have the ability to safely execute these summer programs this year."
The City will not be accepting program registrations or facility rental applications for future reservations until there is more certainty about the timeline and guidelines for MICEC and athletic field operations to resume.
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Mental Health Awareness Month Art Contest
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Click to learn more about the art contest
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May is
Mental Health Awareness Month and the City's Healthy Youth Initiative (HYI) and the Mercer Island High School
Minds Matter Club have partnered to sponsor the 2020 "Be Kind to Your Mind" art contest.
The entry deadline is May 31, and any form of visual media artwork can be submitted to
[email protected].
Two winners will receive a $50 gift card to Island Books and their work will be featured in local publications. All participants will be entered to win a $25 gift card.
More
contest details here
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Best Practices for Spring Planting
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Click to learn more about spring planting
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Spring is here! The days are getting longer and warmer, and garden beds, landscapes, and patio gardens are calling for attention. As you pick out plants for your dream garden, a little forethought can help set you up for success all season long. When plants are grown in the conditions they prefer, they grow stronger roots and are healthier - which means they need less frequent watering and are more resilient to disease. Follow these tips to help keep your plants healthy, beautiful, and worry-free.
- Location. Location. Location. Consider the conditions of the location where you are hoping to place your plants. Is it sunny or shady? Is the soil sandy, clay, or loamy? Make sure you choose plants that are well suited for the environment.
- Don't forget the compost and mulch. Planting is the perfect time to build healthy soil with compost and mulch. Dig or till 2-3 inches of compost into the soil when planting new garden beds or lawns. To mulch, spread 2-3 inches of fall leaves or grass clippings on beds in spring or fall. For woody plants and trees, use wood chips or coarse bark as mulch.
- Water new plants wisely. Deeper, infrequent watering helps plants grow healthy, extensive roots, that stand up better to drought stress, and makes a big difference in the health of new plants.
- Day 1: For new plants, water as soon as you get them in the ground. Allow the water to soak in, then water again until the soil is thoroughly wet.
- Week 1: Water plants daily or every other day. Recently planted roots will absorb moisture from a small area until they begin to grow.
- Week 2 onward: Unless the weather is extremely hot and dry, you may be able to decrease watering frequency to two or three times per week until the fall rains begin.
- Year 2: For well-established perennials, you will likely only need to water deeply once or twice per week when the weather is dry. How often and how long you need to water depends on your soil texture.
Learn more from the Saving Water Partnership, a regional alliance of local water utilities helping customers save money and water; Mercer Island is a member. |
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