March 13, 2020
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COVID-19 UPDATE:
A Message from Mayor Linda Newing and City Manager Rob Wyman
Dear Newcastle Community,

We want to sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to prioritize the safety and welfare of our residents, public officials and employees amidst the coronavirus outbreak. This public health emergency has had a significant impact on the nation, forcing everyone to change their routines and take extraordinary measures to slow the spread of this virus. In Newcastle, that meant cancelling events at the Newcastle Library and Aegis Gardens, postponing our community’s Diamond Awards celebration, prolonged school closures, and transitioning our Council and Commission meetings to remote video conferencing. Today, we even closed City Hall to in-person services as many of our staff members worked remotely to test our teleworking system. We anticipate operations will return to normal on Monday, March 16.

Here at Newcastle City Hall, our staff is in regular contact with local health officials. We’re coordinating closely with our partners at Public Health — Seattle & King County and continue to follow their recommendations to limit exposure to COVID-19. On March 6, we signed a Proclamation of Local Emergency that streamlines Newcastle’s process for procuring equipment, supplies and services that might be needed if large numbers of residents and/or City staff contract the illness. 

Let's work together as a community and commit to taking steps to reduce transmission of this virus. Please do your part by washing your hands often and staying home from work or school if you are sick. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be available to serve those with the most critical needs. Please also remember that we are fortunate enough to have healthcare facilities within Newcastle city limits, including an urgent care facility located at the Newcastle Commons.

Additionally, we must stress that discrimination based on ethnicity or ancestry will make the situation worse. Having Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not make a person more vulnerable to this illness. Coronavirus doesn't recognize race, nationality nor ethnicity. Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. Newcastle is stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination.

This situation is evolving by the minute. It’s important that we work together to stay informed and commit to NOT spreading misinformation. Your main source for Newcastle-related updates will be our website newcastlewa.gov/coronavirus . You should also continue to follow the latest news and guidance from Public Health — Seattle & King County at kingcounty.gov/covid .

Thank you,

Mayor Linda Newing and City Manager Rob Wyman
Community News
COVID-19 Updates from Newcastle
For the latest Newcastle-specific updates regarding COVID-19, please bookmark our webpage newcastlewa.gov/coronavirus and check back frequently! We've posted useful resources for residents, businesses and more. As things change, we'll continually update that page with accurate, factual information.

Among the local impacts:
  • All K-12 schools are closed through April 24
  • All KCLS libraries (including the Newcastle Library) are closed through at least April 13
  • City meetings transitioned to video conference
  • Cancellation of events such as the Diamond Awards, Arts Council activities and more.
Newcastle Business Community Needs Your Support!
COVID-19 is having a dramatic effect on local businesses. While some are experiencing record sales, others are, frankly, struggling. Our restaurants and service providers could particularly use your help. How can you support our local business community? A few ideas:

  • If you feel uncomfortable dining out, call in take-out orders, order online or have it delivered.
  • If you feel uncomfortable having a service/event/meal, etc. in a business location, purchase merchandise they offer or stock up on gift cards/certificates for future use.
  • If you feel comfortable being out and about, check on your more senior neighbors (the virus appears to impact those 60 and older much more dramatically than the youth, so our older population may be isolating themselves) and ask if you can do their shopping for them.
  • Please understand that our local retailers are implementing extra measures to ensure their facilities are clean and safe.
Newcastle Police Blotter
Chief Houck assures the community that our police officers are operating as normal during the COVID-19 outbreak. Just don't be surprised if they refrain from shaking your hand when they see you in public. Read Chief Houck's message to the community and get the latest crime updates in our Newcastle Police Blotter!

Chief Houck's Police Blotter is a MUST read for regular crime prevention tips as well as a thorough listing of crimes that occur in our community. Subscribe to the  email newsletter  to ensure you never miss this important news article. Stay informed about what's happening in your neighborhood and learn how you can keep yourself and others safe.
Utilities Offering Relief Amidst Virus Outbreak
Several utilities are offering relief amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

  • Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, Comcast is offering two months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to recent and anticipated emergency measures associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Learn more at internetessentials.com
  • Puget Sound Energy has announced they will not be disconnecting customers during this time. They've also received a waiver that allows PSE to waive late fees. Learn more at pse.com

If you know of anymore, email them to christinac@newcastlewa.gov and we'll compile a list of resources on our City coronavirus webpage.
March 17 Council Meeting Agenda
The March 17 Newcastle City Council meeting will look a little different as we work to prioritize the safety and welfare of our residents, public officials and employees amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Councilmembers and staff will meet via video conference. Members of the public will still have a chance to listen, watch and participate. The regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday. We'll share additional details about how to participate in the meeting on Monday. In the meantime, if you would like to share your comments via writing, please email them to cityclerk@newcastlewa.gov by 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Newcastle Census Form Showing Renton
Newcastle residents: Does your Census form list your address as the City of Renton?

The address on your census form or advance letter may not list the city name or ZIP code you identify with or are used to seeing on your mail. This is a result of a cost-saving measure that streamlines how the forms are sorted and delivered to you by the U.S. Postal Service. It will NOT affect which city, town or block your household’s responses will be assigned to when we tabulate census results.

To submit your 2020 Census survey, please go to 2020census.gov . The website is available in multiple languages. For any questions about the 2020 Census, please contact Newcastle’s Senior Planner Dave Van De Weghe at DaveV@newcastlewa.gov .
Suspect Identified in Risdon School Threat
On Feb. 3, Newcastle Police took a report regarding an anonymous voicemail threat to shoot up Risdon Middle School. The threat was left on the school's main office voicemail. NPD officers immediately responded to the school and began their investigation. Officers stayed on school grounds the rest of the day to help ensure the safety of the students and faculty.

During the investigation, it was found that the suspects blocked the number they called from, in an attempt to hide their identities. However, after a thorough investigation requiring multiple search warrants, and communication and cooperation with the Renton School District, NPD was able to identify two suspects that made the call.
Photo of the Week
Newcastle is stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination!
Helpful Links
City of Newcastle |  newcastlewa.gov  

The Newcastle email newsletter is published before every City Council meeting. Learn more about the newsletter, see an archive of past newsletters and sign up to receive it at newcastlewa.gov/newsletters .

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