City Operations will Continue in Compliance with Stay Home Order

Published on March 24, 2020

Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562

Kirkland, Wash. – Most City employees have been deemed essential critical infrastructure workers in accordance with Governor Inslee’s March 23 Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order(PDF, 176KB) .

Some City operations have been adjusted including the immediate closure of all park restrooms and the securing of sports courts. Parks and trails will remain open as the Governor’s order permits walking and biking as long as social distancing guidelines of least six feet are followed.

Police and fire will continue to respond to calls for emergencies. Public Works maintenance crews that are responsible for roads, water, sewer and stormwater will also continue to maintain this essential infrastructure. Parks maintenance crews will continue to keep a basic level of maintenance to protect our over $300 million investment in parks. Construction and development activities have been deemed by the Governor to be essential services, so inspections will continue and the public will see City vehicles on the road.

Many City employees are already working from home. Over the next few days, all remaining employees who can work from home will receive the technology necessary to do so.

All City staff that are not working from home will be practicing social distancing and other public health guidelines for all.

Law enforcement's primary role in response to the Governor’s order is to help educate people about how to comply with orders to stay at home. The Kirkland Police Department will not be detaining, arresting, ticketing or establishing checkpoints for compliance. No strict law enforcement or "martial law" has been ordered.

“We encourage all residents to abide by the Governor’s order to protect the lives of all of our community members,” said City Manager Kurt Triplett. “We want to assure all Kirkland residents and businesses that Kirkland employees are complying with the Governor’s ‘Stay Home’ order. We have reviewed the detailed list of essential critical infrastructure workers provided by the Governor’s office. Any Kirkland employee you see out in the community is providing an essential critical service as defined by Governor Inslee’s order, and is working to keep our community safe and healthy.”

When officers and deputies encounter people not complying with an order, officers will remind them, as appropriate, of the recommendation and restrictions. Residents should not call 911 to report violations of the order as phone lines must be kept clear for emergencies. Violations of the Governor’s order can be reported to King County Public Health at 206-477-3977.

The City will continue to update its website with information on the COVID-19 outbreak.