As a proactive measure to protect the health and safety of our residents, Newcastle City Manager Rob Wyman signed a Proclamation of Local Emergency today that allows the City to move quickly should the COVID-19 (coronavirus) spread to our community. This emergency proclamation is not a cause for alarm, but a formal step in a process that facilitates the City’s coordination with other agencies, and grants the City access to additional resources, if necessary. View the signed proclamation here.
As of Friday, March 6 there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the City of Newcastle, but the emergency proclamation streamlines the City’s process for procuring equipment, supplies and services that might be needed if large numbers of residents and/or City staff contract the illness.
As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in King County, the City is coordinating closely with our partners at Public Health — Seattle & King County and following their recommendations to limit exposure to the illness. Here at City Hall, we’re encouraging all of our staff members to limit external trainings and meetings, and to stay home if they are sick.
“We want to make sure that our residents can still access City services, while at the same time taking measures to help prevent exposure,” said City Manager Wyman. “City leaders are evaluating contingency plans in the event City Hall is forced to close and/or City Council or Commission meetings are interrupted. At this time, City Hall operations are proceeding as normal. If that were to change, I want to assure you that essential services, including police and fire, will continue uninterrupted.”
City Manager Wyman encourages residents to take steps to reduce transmission of this illness. Please do your part by washing your hands often and staying home from work or school if you are sick. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be available to serve those with the most critical needs.
Additionally, please remember that discrimination based on ethnicity or ancestry will make the situation worse. Having Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not make a person more vulnerable to this illness. Coronavirus doesn't recognize race, nationality nor ethnicity. Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. Newcastle is stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination.
The City is committed to keeping you informed as new developments arise. Your main source for Newcastle-related updates will be our website newcastlewa.gov/coronavirus, but we encourage you to also follow the latest news and guidance from Public Health — Seattle & King County at kingcounty.gov/covid.