Many of you have read or heard about Governor Inslee’s new March 16th directive and parallel local county health officer orders:  

• All events with 50 people or more are prohibited 

• All events with fewer than 50 people are discouraged and prohibited unless event organizers observe the COVID-19 prevention measures 

• All bars, dance clubs, fitness and health clubs, movie theatres, night clubs, and other social and recreational establishments are closed 

• All restaurants and food service establishments cannot provide dining room services but may remain open for drive-through, take-out and delivery services  

• At this time, retail businesses and service operators such as grocery stores, drug stores, and other essential services not required to be closed by the order may continue to provide services as long as they take steps to minimize the spread of disease.  

• Find additional guidance for your county at King County Public Health or Snohomish Health District. 

What is the City doing? 

The health and safety of Bothell residents, businesses, visitors and students is our top priority! City of Bothell is: 

• Continuing to work with King County Public Health, Snohomish Health District, and community partners to make informed decisions. Our Fire Department is working closely with county health officials to ensure first responders have the information they need to follow safety protocols and provide appropriate services. 

• Continuing to use our Emergency Coordination Center to plan for changes in staffing, maintain sufficient personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies for first responders, and ensure delivery of essential services. 

• Prioritizing how and where we provide service, as we plan for staffing shortages. We have made several adjustments to ensure essential health and safety services, such as Fire Department/Medical, Police Services and Public Works utilities are maintained and supported. 

Service Changes

• All city buildings are closed to the general public at this time, but we will continue to provide many services remotely. Please give us a call at 425-806-6100 instead of coming to City Hall. Staff can help you conduct your business over the phone or online.  
• We can accept Utility payments over the phone and continue to process online payments. Please note, we have instituted a grace period for late payments and will not be mailing shut-off notices this month. Just a reminder, you can set up utility billing online!
• Permit activities are continuing and you can submit applications and track them online through www.mybuildingpermit.com. Other information can be obtained by calling 425-806-6400. You can also call that number to make appointments for phone conferences with staff.
• There is a dropbox just inside the main doors of City Hall for paperwork that needs to be turned in.    
  
• The Police Department has suspended fingerprinting services. 

Cancelations and Closures

• All public meetings, events, classes and community meeting rooms have been canceled through March 31st, including the March 17th City Council meeting. We are exploring the possibility of virtual council meetings.  

• All city parks remain open, but park restrooms have now been closed. We know this is an inconvenience, as many of you are outside during this time!  But, in order to keep our restrooms clean and safe in accordance with current health recommendations, it requires an inordinate amount of staff time and we cannot ensure the conditions remain clean and safe regardless of how often they are cleaned.   

• Group reservations for all sportsfields and picnic shelters through March 31st have been canceled.  

• Bothell Municipal Court has suspended normal operations until further notice. The court will be open Wednesday and Friday of this week to handle essential calendars only. The court clerk’s office will not be staffing phone lines during this time. Please refer to the court’s website for emergency notifications, jail information, probation contact information, payment options, etc. Individuals summoned for Bothell hearings should contact their legal counsel regarding the status of their case. 

What Can Our Community Do? 

• Follow the directives and public health recommendations. We know it is hard, but it is important for us to protect each other! Practice social distancing. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, isolate yourself and contact your primary care provider. For more information about testing, symptoms and exposure, visit Washington State Department of Health.
• Support local businesses and restaurants. Order carryout or food delivery from Bothell restaurants. 
•  Respect the privacy of senior communities and impacted neighborhoods.  There will be people who test positive for COVID-19 in Bothell and we believe all are following public health recommendations and quarantine guidelines - health districts will release public information if needed.   
• Understand the City of Bothell doesn’t have authority to investigate various incidents or positive test results, even if we had the resources to do so. If you would like to report someone violating one of the public health orders, please contact your local public health official.   
• Make calls to see where you can help. We have been connecting with our faith-based communities and community partners over the last few weeks and know that many of you want to help, but aren’t sure what to do. Please call your vulnerable neighbors, the Northshore Senior Center, a local place of worship, non–profit community service organization, or local Parent Teacher Association to see what resources are needed.  
• Check out the Bothell Library online to take advantage of some amazing free online resources!  
• Donate blood!  Local blood supply is in danger of collapse. Bloodworks Northwest has more information on coronavirus, who is eligible to donate blood, and donation locations. 
• Regional offers of assistance from private entities, or needs requests, should be directed to: Donations@Kingcounty.gov, per King County Emergency Management. Organizations that wish to provide purely monetary contributions can be directed to COVID-19 Response Fund.

Where Can Businesses and Employees Get Assistance?

Helpful Links and Resources

Washington State Department of Health  

King County Public Health  

Snohomish County Health District 

Northshore School District

City of Bothell specific updates