Last Friday, Governor Inslee announced an extension of his existing "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Order through May 31, and also unveiled a four-phase plan that will be used to stage the gradual reopening of businesses and facilities statewide. Each phase will last for at least 3 weeks in order to gather health data and evaluate continued advances. 

Phase 1 started on Tuesday, May 6, and allows a limited set of changes, including some outdoor day-use recreation (hunting, fishing, golf, boating, and hiking). Existing construction that meets public health criteria may continue, contracted landscaping and lawn services will soon be allowed, and retail operations may now plan to reopen for curbside pickup only. Note: many restaurants were already open for curbside service due to their status as essential businesses. 

The City and the Chamber of Commerce continue to work with local businesses to ensure that they are aware of the changes and as prepared as possible for a resumption of retail operations. 

Based on the Governor's timetable, the City has announced that City buildings will be closed through at least May 31, and the Municipal Court July 31. In addition, most meetings and events remain canceled through May 31, however some public meetings (such as those held twice/month by the City Council) are now held by videoconference.  

Next week, on May 11, the Community Planning and Development (CPD) Department is scheduled tentatively to resume the limited issuance of public notices (which had been temporarily suspended) while adhering to social distancing protocols. All noticing will comply with adopted City Ordinances (i.e. mailed, posted, and published in Weekly Permit Bulletin).  

Read the full news release with details on all closures and canceled events here.

Did you know the City's Coronavirus webpages have a whole section on resources for Seniors? We just added a great new video tutorial from MIHS Junior and Emergency Program Volunteer Annika Bhananker on navigating modern technology, video meetings, and more.

A few weeks ago, we also posted a five-part series of simple at-home fitness videos aimed at Mercer Island Seniors by Ginny Pietila of the MI Athletic Club. You can check those out here.

All this and more are can be found in the "Resources for Seniors" section of our Coronavirus webpages (look for the link in the right hand column).

Here on Mercer Island, we've had a great online map of restaurants and businesses open for many weeks now (thanks to our friends at Fexy Media!).  Last week, the City joined an even bigger regional effort launched by the City of Seattle to get information from dozens of different cities and three counties all on one interactive map.  Over 2600 small businesses have participated so far. 

Our Mercer Island map will continue to be updated, but now you can tell your friends in other cities where they can find takeout too!  Explore the new regional map. 

With the announcement of Governor Inslee's four-phase reopening plan, businesses owners are anticipating the release of guidance for curbside pick-up retail within the next few days. If they are able to meet these "industry-specific requirements" as well as comply with existing social distancing and hygiene rules, they may be able to reopen (curbside only) in the second half of May.

 

For most businesses however, the major shift will be the arrival of Phases 2 and 3 which allow various versions of in-store service, with certain conditions on the number of customers. Phase 2 is now expected to be announced around June 1 and the City wants to make sure businesses are ready.

 

We've assembled a number of useful links on our Coronavirus pages to help our local small business owners get ready.