Mar 25, 2020 | Vol. 15 | No. 13
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 Governor Inslee Announces Stay Home Order
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Click to visit the City' s Coronavirus webpages
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On Monday night (March 23), Governor Inslee announced further statewide measures designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak across Washington State.
Effective immediately, this new "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order legally requires all residents to curtail all social activity, and bans ALL gatherings of any size, public or private. Within 48 hours it also closes all businesses except those deemed essential. Essential businesses allowed to stay open (with appropriate protective measures) include emergency services, childcare, supermarkets, pharmacies, groceries, food pantries, pet supply, transportation, financial services, local government, and some others.
The new ban also does not limit take-out meals, food delivery, and drive-thru food/beverage services - please continue to support your favorite local restaurants! Check our listings to see who's open.
Exercise and other outdoor activities are considered critical for their physical and mental benefits; therefore pursuits such as walking, gardening, bicycle rides, jogging, etc, are all permitted as long as 6 feet of social distancing is in place. Get more clarification from this state website.
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Coronavirus Videoconference #3
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Click to visit the City's Coronavirus videos |
At
3:00pm this Thursday (March 26), City Manager Jessi Bon will host the third episode in the City's ongoing series of
live video conferences to update the community on the City's coronavirus response and continued preparations for extended impacts...
This week she will be joined by
Dr. Hal Quinn, a board-certified physician practicing at
Mercer Island Pediatrics. Doctor Quinn also serves as the
Medical Director on the City's emergency response team and works closely with MIPD Emergency Manager Jennifer Franklin on medical oversight and protocols for major City incidents. Doctor Quinn will share his observations about the regional COVID-19 outbreak and suggest appropriate measures for parents and the community to consider during this unprecedented time.
Watch live on the
City's YouTube Channel or on MI-TV Cable Channel 21.
The rest of the videocast will provide updates on the City's response to Governor Inslee's "Stay Home" Order and impacts to City operations; updates from MIPD and MIFD; and a Community Call to Action (what you can do to help).
If you have questions, please email them to by 2:00pm Thursday to
citymanager@mercergov.org and staff will try to address them during the presentation. The event will also be recorded and available online the following day on YouTube.
These live City situation briefings will be held every Thursday at 3:00pm until further notice.
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City Launches Food Pick-Up Parking Zones
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Food Pick-Up Priority Zone; click for more business support resources
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The City has collaborated with the
Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and the local business community to establish
Food Pick-Up Priority Zones for restaurants offering take-out food services during the coronavirus outbreak. Check here for a
list of who's open.
So far, two priority zones have already been created for
Mioposto (2601 76th Ave SE) and
Einstein Bagels (7808 SE 28th St), designating special 3-minute parking.
Please support your local restaurants while practicing safe social distancing: order by phone or online, and then park in the priority zone, where an employee will bring your take-out order to you.
Other businesses interested in setting up a Food Pick-Up Priority Zone near their storefront should contact
Sarah Bluvas, the City's Small Business Liaison, at
sarah.bluvas@mercergov.org.
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Donations Halted at Thrift Shop
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Click for Thrift Shop website
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After today, the City's Thrift Shop (already closed to the public) will no longer be staffed, and donations will no longer be accepted in any form. The parking lot will also be closed to the public.
In addition, donation bins located around the Island will be sealed shut and posted with signage. Thank you for your understanding, and please visit the Thrift Shop online to explore remaining auction items.
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