March 20, 2020
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MARCH 20 COVID-19 UPDATE
A Video Message From City Manager Rob Wyman
In a video message to the community, Newcastle City Manager Rob Wyman gives the latest news on the City's response to COVID-19.

" While we are facing this major challenge, I am very proud of the Newcastle residents and staff who are working together to get through it."

Newcastle Playgrounds Closed
Newcastle parks remain open, however, effective immediately, the City is closing park playgrounds in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Staff will be placing closure signage at playgrounds today. The bathrooms at Lake Boren Park are also closed.

Though our parks and trails remain open for general use, please avoid congregating in them. Residents must practice social distancing while enjoying our parks by maintaining 6 feet of separation from other people.Remember to thoroughly wash or sanitize your hands after touching any surfaces.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we all do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19!
Bellevue Fire Stations Closed
Here's the message from our partners at Bellevue Fire:

In continued efforts to keep the public and our firefighters safe during this COVID-19 pandemic, we are closing our nine fire stations for all non-emergency business until further notice. This includes all station tours as well as blood pressure screenings. There are free blood pressure machines at pharmacies and many grocery outlets, and home monitors are available for purchase.

Please be assured that we are fully staffing each station and are continuing to respond to all emergency calls. We apologize for any inconvenience. It is always a pleasure to serve and connect with our residents in person.
Reminder: City Hall is Closed to the Public
The City of Newcastle is taking proactive steps to protect the health of our customers, residents and staff. In order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and adhere to public health directives for social distancing, Newcastle City Hall will be closed to the public through at least Friday, March 27.
 
During that time, Newcastle City Hall will be temporarily closed to in-person services and staff will be working from home. Staff will still be available by phone and email to provide assistance and answer questions during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Please be assured that essential services, namely police and fire protection, will continue uninterrupted.
 
“To be clear, we are not shutting down the City or stopping services. We are evolving with the crisis and doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus as best we can,” said Newcastle City Manager Rob Wyman.
 
Please note: The closure does not affect the businesses located in Newcastle City Hall. Reach out to them directly for any changes to their schedules.
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. For non-emergency police services or inquiries, please call 206-296-3311.
  • For general questions, call City Hall at 425-649-4444 and leave a message. City staff will be checking the line frequently throughout the day and will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.
  • Report issues such as parks/trails concerns, problems involving storm drainage, streets, traffic signals and trees or other vegetation online using YourGov yourgov.cartegraph.com.
  • If you’re looking to chat with a specific staff member, you can view our staff directory at newcastlewa.gov/contact. All staff members will be available by email and will get back to you as soon as possible.
  • The City is still accepting electronic permit application submittals during the closure. Submit all building permits online at mybuildingpermit.com.
  • Inspections will continue, however some inspections of occupied spaces (such as in-home residences) will be done via video.
  • Parks remain open, however, all Lake Boren Park shelter reservations will be canceled through the month of April. The restrooms at Lake Boren Park will be temporarily closed as well.
Helpful Newcastle Links
City of Newcastle |  newcastlewa.gov  

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Content submissions/ideas for the newsletter? Email  christinac@newcastlewa.gov .