Brian Coddington, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Monday, March 2, 2020 at 1:15 p.m.
Updated March 12, 2020
Each day, new information evolves about Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). At the City, we want our citizens and visitors to know that we are preparing to reduce the spread of this disease in our community and continue to provide critical City services.
City leaders, including Mayor Nadine Woodward and City Administrator Wes Crago, are receiving regular briefings from our community’s health experts. They will work with the City Council to provide City resources to help our community respond.
By now, you may know that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019. Health experts are concerned because little is known about this new virus, and it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia. People in Washington state have tested positive for this disease.
The City is collaborating with Spokane Regional Health District to provide information on the disease’s symptoms and how it is spread. The Health District is updating its web site frequently with the most recent information from the state Department of Health and federal Centers for Disease Control to make sure citizens have access to current and accurate information.
If you want to talk to someone about medical information, we would suggest you call the Washington State Department of Health’s hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Press #.
Spokane’s citizens and visitors can help reduce the spread of COVID-19, along with other similar diseases like colds and flu. Help reduce the spread of COVID-19 (PDF 164 KB).
Businesses, meanwhile, should develop their own plans to respond to the possibility of COVID-19 arriving in Spokane. The Spokane Regional Health District has posted documents to help businesses plan.
The City plans for and routinely responds to emergencies within our community, from cleaning up after storms to responding to public safety concerns. As part of the current concern, the City is updating its Infectious Disease Response Plan to include evolving guidance on COVID-19.
We are developing protocols for our firefighters and police officers so they can safely respond to calls for service. We are considering the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. Training is underway for local non-profit organizations who serve those experiencing homelessness.
Our plans also define how critical public services, like the delivery of clean drinking water, weekly garbage pickup, and processing of wastewater, will continue uninterrupted.
The City’s work will evolve as conditions change. If needed, the City will work with the Spokane Regional Health District to implement additional measures, like social distancing.
