March 16 Update on City Operations and Kirkland First Responders
Published on March 16, 2020
Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562
KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City continues to operate its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate our response to the presence of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our community.
Update on First Responders
Fire Station 21 is now back into service after receiving a professional deep cleaning. Though none of the firefighters that were quarantined at Station 21 received a positive result for the COVID-19 virus, every surface of the 8,000 square foot building was cleaned by specially trained crews.
The Kirkland Fire and Police Departments remain fully staffed and responding to calls as normal. City first responders have CDC recommended personal protection equipment and are following recommended protocols.
The City of Kirkland currently has five firefighters and zero police officers in quarantine. Thirty-seven firefighters have now been released after completing their recommended quarantine period. All five first responders are in isolation or quarantine at home.
All of our first responders that are currently symptomatic are in the process of being tested. We’ve had twenty-five tests come back negative, and one positive test for COVID-19. For the tests results that have been negative, first responders will remain in quarantine for the entire 14-day period recommended by Public Health Seattle-King County. We have received questions regarding criteria for testing our firefighters. Testing criteria is established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). In King County, testing is managed by Public Health Seattle-King County. At this time the CDC is recommending that clinicians use their judgement to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. More information on testing requirements is available on the CDC website.
While the City appreciates the outpouring of support and concern from the community for our first responders, the City cannot accept donations at this time.
Update on City Hall Operations
Following current direction from Public Health—Seattle & King County, as of 12 p.m. today, March 16 City Hall is closed to the public. All City evening meetings except for City Council meetings have been cancelled until the end of March. This includes Commissions, Boards, and all Neighborhood Association meetings. The Council Chamber will not be open to the public during City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 17. The meeting will be live streamed on the City website at http://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/council/Meetings/WatchCouncilMeetings.htm or can be watched on your television on Comcast Cable Channel 21 or Frontier Cable Channel 31. Members of the public will be able to provide comment in advance of the meeting by phone or email to 425-587-3090 or councilmeetingcomment@kirklandwa.gov. We will provide additional details about providing public comment on Monday, March 16. The agenda for the March 17 meeting is available on the city’s website at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/council/Meetings/Agendas/Agenda_031720.htm.
Parks Operations
The City has also cancelled all recreation programming, classes, and facility rentals through Friday, April 24. That includes community centers, recreation programs, facility rentals, athletic fields and picnic shelters. While the City encourages informal use of the parks, please be mindful of the recommended social distancing and proper hand-washing and sanitation. Community centers, athletic fields and picnic shelters are anticipated to reopen on April 27, pending any additional guidelines from the state. In addition, YMCA will close KTUB, the Kirkland Teen Center, at Peter Kirk Park through Tuesday, March 31.
The annual boating season begins April 1. The city’s boat launch will remain in the open position throughout the month of April. Boat launch cards will be required beginning May 1. All boaters are encouraged to purchase their boat launch card online or by phone. Purchased cards will be mailed.
All parks and recreation business can be conducted online at www.kirklandparks.net or by phone at 425-587-3300. Anyone unable to utilize a credit card for online transactions are encouraged to call the customer service center at 425-587-3300. Alternate payment methods such as cash, check or scholarship can be arranged.
The parks maintenance center customer counter will be closed. All business should be directed to 425-587-3340. Issues in the parks can be reported at http://ourkirklandwa.gov.
Spring and summer recreation program registration begins March 19. Registration will proceed as scheduled, opening at 6 a.m. on March 19. However, only programs beginning in May will be available for registration. Programs are expected to resume in May, pending any additional guidelines received by the Washington State Department of Public Health.
Court Operations
The Kirkland Municipal Court is modifying their court schedule. Effective Monday, March 16 - March 27, 2020, the court will reschedule all hearings except for mandatory DV/DUI charges (which must be heard the next judicial day) and in-custody defendants. More court details are available at: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/Municipal_Court.htm More information and full list of recommendations are available from Public Health—Seattle & King County.
Update on Guidance from the State, County, and Federal Governments
Today, Governor Jay Inslee ordered statewide closure of food establishments to sit-in service and the prohibition of gatherings of more than 50 people. In addition, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, issued a parallel local Health Officer Order for King County to prohibit gatherings of fewer than 50 people unless measures are taken by event organizers to minimize risk. Dr. Duchin also ordered the closure of food establishments except for pick up and delivery. More information is available on the Public Health Seattle-King County website.
Update from Lake Washington School District
Based on Governor Inslee’s announcement on March 12th, the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) will now be closed through April 24th and will re-evaluate any further closures during that time.
For more information visit the Lake Washington School District website.
The City will continue to update its website with information on the COVID-19 outbreak.