All Sno-Isle Libraries buildings will close to the public at 6 p.m., Friday, March 13. “We will continually reassess to determine the length of the closure,” Sno-Isle Libraries Executive Director Lois Langer Thompson said on Thursday. “This was a difficult decision and was made based on Snohomish Health District recommendations, the Governor’s emergency declaration regarding…
COVID-19 coronavirus
Governor orders all public, private K-12 schools in three-county area closed through April 27
All public and private K-12 schools in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties will close for the next six weeks, under an order announced Thursday by Gov. Jay Inslee to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. All schools are required to close no later than Tuesday, March 17 and remain closed through Friday, April 24. The Edmonds…
Edmonds CC moves most classes online, says campus visitor tested positive for COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Edmonds Community College says it has moved most of its classes online for the remainder of winter quarter. Many college services are also available for the remainder of winter quarter, including the learning support center and advising, the college said. In addition, Edmonds CC President Dr. Amit B. Singh…
As worries about virus spread, local agencies look for creative way to support vulnerable seniors
With the continuing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), local communities have seen closures and cutbacks in programs and services at senior centers and other organizations who target senior populations. Yet, creative measures are being deployed to maintain the most essential services — in particular, meals — to those who depend on them. Lynnwood-based Homage is a key…
Snohomish Health District issues its own orders related to COVID-19 and smaller gatherings
Following Gov. Jay Inslee’s order Wednesday morning banning events involving more than 250 people in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties, Snohomish County’s top health official Wednesday afternoon issued an order that prohibits gatherings of fewer than 250 people — “unless measures are taken by event organizers to minimize risk.” The Snohomish Health District reported 15 new…
Westgate Chapel shuts down after congregant tests positive for COVID-19
Edmonds’ Westgate Chapel has closed all of its facilities after a male congregant tested positive for COVID-19. Pastor Ron Brooks confirmed Wednesday that all church-related operations — including ministries, activities, meetings and its local food pantry — would close “for two weeks — after which we’ll reassess.” The church is located in the 22900 block…
Sno-Isle Libraries cancel all events amid health concerns
Sno-Isle Libraries announced Wednesday that it is canceling all events scheduled for the system’s 23 libraries across Snohomish and Island counties through March 31. “In light of the actions ordered this morning by Gov. Inslee and officials in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties, these steps by the library are prudent and necessary,” said Sno-Isle Libraries…
Edmonds Center for Arts postponing, canceling events at least through end of March
Now that Gov. Jay Inslee has banned events with more than 250 people to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Edmonds Center for the Arts announced Wednesday that it will be postponing or cancelling all ECA-sponsored events as well as rental performances through the end of March — and possibly longer. In a written statement, ECA…
Snohomish County PUD changes operations to protect against COVID-19
To protect the safety and health of its customers and employees, Snohomish County PUD is making changes to operations and access that may impact customers as the COVID-19 outbreak evolves in the region. The PUD said in a Wednesday announcement that its incident management team continues to follow the utility’s pandemic response plan and work…
Governor issues emergency proclamation that limits large events to minimize public health risk during COVID-19
Gov. Jay Inslee announced new community strategies and social distancing plans Wednesday at a news conference in Seattle to minimize COVID-19 exposure, particularly in counties hit hardest by the virus. Starting Wednesday, events that take place in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are prohibited by the state. This order applies…
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COVID-19: Edmonds CC baseball team plays in empty stadium after college bans spectators
There was the familiar sound of batted balls, dugout chatter and player introductions during Wednesday’s Edmonds Community College Triton baseball game, but one sound was eerily missing — the sound of cheering fans. The Tritons and the visiting Lower Columbia College Red Devils played their Northwest Athletic Conference baseball game Wednesday night in front of…
City: One Edmonds resident has tested positive for COVID-19
The City of Edmonds says that one Edmonds resident has tested positive for COVID-19, and that person is currently under quarantine. That information comes from Edmonds Mayor Nelson, who learned it from the Snohomish Health District, and was announced Monday on the city’s Facebook page. “Edmonds residents are reminded that through reasonable precautions, such as…
New state Covid-19 rules aimed at protecting older adults in nursing homes, living facilities
New state rules were issued Tuesday to ensure that nursing homes and assisted living facilities better protect older adults – a population more likely to be hit by Covid-19 (coronavirus). The rule changes, announced by Gov. Jay Inslee, center around visitors, screening and precautionary measures. “The risk of severe illness and death from Covid-19 appears to…
Governor announces expansion of state policies aimed at helping workers, businesses impacted by coronavirus
Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday announced the expansion of state policies to support workers and businesses financially impacted by Covid-19 coronavirus. The governor and Suzi LeVine, commissioner of the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD), rolled out new rules to help alleviate the economic impact felt by businesses and workers. Inslee also said that all state employees…
Blood supply hits emergency level due to coronavirus concerns
The Pacific Northwest’s blood supply is at risk of collapse in coming days. That’s according to the latest news from Bloodworks Northwest. The accelerating number of blood drive cancellations due to the closure of schools, businesses, and events over coronavirus concerns has put nearly 60% of the community’s blood supply in jeopardy, the organization says….
Edmonds Kind of Play: Social distancing? Many online options for families (and adults) through Sno-Isle Libraries
Editor’s note: This story was published before school closures and other program cancellations were announced due to COVID-19. Schools are now closed through at least through April 24, Sno-Isle Libraries are closed, and local government agencies have announced closures of many programs and buildings. Because the situation is rapidly evolving, please visit the City of…
Homage closes Lynnwood office to the public through March 20
Lynnwood-based Homage, which provides services to older adults and those with disabilities in Snohomish County, announced Saturday it is closing its offices on 196th Street Southwest to the public at least until March 20. All but essential staff will be teleworking “to hope prevent the spread of coronavirus,” Homage said in an announcement. “At Homage,…
Local churches changing how they worship in response to coronavirus outbreak
With government and public concern high over the COVID-19 coronavirus, a number of South Snohomish County churches have taken notice and are making — or are being forced to make — concessions regarding how they conduct Sunday morning services and other various gatherings. One Lynnwood church has even shut down its entire campus, not just…
State provides resource list for businesses and workers impacted by coronavirus
If your business or employment situation is being impacted by the Covid-19 coronavirus, here’s a partial list of state resources that the governor’s office has compiled: Financial assistance The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) can work with impacted companies that request an extension on tax filing. The law grants the Department authority to extend…
‘My heart goes out to the kids’: High school teams facing reality of shortened sports season due to coronavirus worries
Edmonds School District officials have suspended all evening student, parent and community events at district facilities though April 12 due to concerns about the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. While the decision affects all aspects of student extra-curricular activities — music, drama, STEM clubs and more — the area visibly hit is sports, as dozens of games…
Edmonds Senior Center thrift store closing until further notice
The Edmonds Senior Center, which announced earlier this week it was suspending all programs and activities in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus, said Friday it is also shutting down its Westgate neighborhood thrift store “until further notice.” Senior Center Executive Director Farrell Fleming said the store is closing “effective immediately” in response to Edmonds Mayor…
Edmonds School District suspending sporting events, dances, plays through April 12
The Edmonds School District announced Friday it is suspending all districtwide community events and student activities from Monday, March 9 through Sunday, April 12, to address the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes high school athletic competitions, concerts, dances, plays, and information nights. “Edmonds School District sports practices, rehearsals, and school club meetings will continue to be held, as…
Edmonds Food Bank to distribute food next week, but monthly veterans lunch canceled
The Edmonds Food Bank will be distributing food as usual on Monday and Tuesday next week, but it is canceling its March 11 Got Your 6 gathering for veterans. The cancellation is in light of concerns about COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Got Your Six is a new monthly program for military veterans,…
Premera Blue Cross requiring most Western Washington employees to work from home starting March 9
Premera Blue Cross announced Thursday that it is requiring approximately 2,000 employees at its Mountlake Terrace and Bothell campuses to work from home starting Monday, March 9 in an effort to help contain the spread of COVID-19. According to Steve Kipp, Premera’s vice president of corporate communications, the remote working arrangement is scheduled to last…
Mayor Nelson declares state of emergency in Edmonds due to COVID-19
Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson announced Thursday he has signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in the City of Edmonds in response to increasing impacts of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak in Snohomish and King Counties. The mayor also announced the closure of some city facilities and the cancellation of some programs. “I recognize that…