Stay Home, Stay Healthy
As we enter what might be the toughest few weeks of COVID-19, I want to let the community know how proud the City Council is of your actions and the community strength and spirit you have displayed. We know it is difficult, but thank you for following recommendations from both county public health agencies.
As you have probably heard, Governor Inslee has issued a ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. Effective immediately, everyone must stay home unless they are pursuing an essential activity such as grocery shopping, doctor appointments, or essential work duty. You can still go outside to take a walk, ride a bike, or garden. But, you must remain six feet away from everyone at all times. The Sammamish River/Burke-Gilman Trail is incredibly crowded right now, so venture out of your way to find new places to explore.
Many of you have asked how and where you can help. City Hall is not utilizing volunteers or taking donations at this time. If you want to support a local non-profit, the Northshore Senior Center has quickly become a hub for volunteer services and donations relating to older adults. You can also find resource links and more ways to help on our Community Resources page.
Please note, we have instituted a grace period for late utility payments and will not be mailing shut-off notices this month. We are happy to work with customers impacted by COVID-19 to set up a payment arrangement. Email city staff at utilities@bothellwa.gov or call 425-806-6881.
As we grapple with the temporary business closures and impacts to employees, we know the economic aftermath to Bothell will be significant. Federal and state relief efforts are unfolding quickly, you can find the top resource links on our website. Bothell businesses or non-profits should also fill out this regional survey before March 31 to help inform relief efforts.
At this time, I am not aware of any assessment, isolation, or quarantine sites being planned for our city. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as city staff adjusts to new schedules and changes in how they deliver services. All city buildings are closed, but we are still handling many city services remotely. Your health and safety is our top concern, so we have prioritized Fire/Medical, Police, and Public Works services at this time.
Speaking of Public Works, please help our utilities crews by NOT putting anything in the toilet except for toilet paper. Wipes, paper towels, tissues, etc. can clog, back-up into your home, and damage our system, causing us costly repairs.
Finally, I have seen firsthand and have heard about neighbors helping neighbors, childcare co-ops, virtual community art projects and properly spaced pop-up workout sessions in cul-de-sacs! We have businesses who are ramping up production to meet global need and restaurants donating food to first responders. I am proud to call such a passionate and inspiring community home. Keep it up Bothell, I know that we will continue to look out for one another (from a healthy distance!) and together, we’ll get through this.
Stay Home. Stay Healthy. Stay Happy.
Mayor Olsen