How to Determine Essential Business Status and Report Violations
Published on March 26, 2020
Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562
KIRKLAND, Wash. – This week, Governor Inslee has issued a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order in Washington state to stop the spread of COVID-19. Only those going to work at an “essential business” are allowed to go to workplaces.
The City of Kirkland does not determine what is an “essential business” outside of the City’s own operations. Essential businesses are determined by the state and defined as “needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure sectors.” Additional sectors may be designated by the State Public Health Officer as critical to protect the health and well-being of Washingtonians.
For questions about whether an individual business should remain open or should be closed, the Governor has published a list of designated “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.” Go to https://www.coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed/essential-business for the list of essential businesses as well as an online form to clarify status or to petition to be added to the list.
On March 25, 2020, the Governor issued a clarification about commercial and residential construction. In general, commercial and residential construction is not authorized under the Proclamation because construction is not considered to be an essential activity. However, an exception to the order allows for construction in the following limited circumstances:
- Construction related to essential activities as described in the order;
- To further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing; or
- To prevent spoliation and avoid damage or unsafe conditions, and address emergency repairs at both non-essential businesses and residential structures.
Violations of the Governor’s order can be reported to King County Public Health at 206-477-3977 or coronavirus@kingcounty.gov. Residents should not call 911 to report violations of the order as phone lines must be kept clear for emergencies. 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. When officers encounter people not complying with an order, officers will remind them, as appropriate, of the recommendation and restrictions.
The City has compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the order, which is available on the City’s website.
To assist businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Kirkland has also compiled information and resources that are immediately useful during this emergency and for the future, when attention turns to recovery. For more information, go to www.kirklandwa.gov/BusinessSupportCOVID. Additionally, to support restaurants and other businesses providing essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Kirkland has suspended enforcement of the temporary sign code.
The City will continue to update its website with information on the COVID-19 outbreak.