Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, all counties/regions in Washington are subject to the public health measures outlined in the governor’s regional-based Healthy Washington plan.

NEW! Effective Monday, February 1, King County is approved to move to Phase 2. That means indoor dining can resume at a 25 percent capacity. View the full state guidance to see what that means for retailers and restaurants here.

City of Newcastle COVID-19 Procedures
Updated June 26, 2020

- Building Permit Applications and Inspections -

The following provisions will ensure that construction activity in the City of Newcastle complies with Governor Inslee’s Safe Start Washington approach to Phased Reopening and his associated Phase 2 Construction COVID-19 Job Site Requirements (hereafter referred to as “Governor’s Order”).

Acceptance of Building Permit Applications: Building Permit Applications will be accepted for all permit types.

Issuance of Building Permits: Building Permit issuance will be contingent upon the applicant submitting a signed Safe Start Construction Attestation that documents compliance with the Governor’s Order.

Inspection Limitations: Our inspector will make determinations whether inspections can occur on site or must be conducted remotely. Remote inspections will be conducted via Google Duo. Please schedule regular inspections through MyBuildingPermit.com. You will be notified if a remote inspection will be necessary.

NEW! SEPTEMBER 22 UPDATE:

Newcastle playgrounds are now open. But we ask that you please use caution and take certain measures when using the play areas:

- Cover your face
- Wash your hands and use sanitizer
- Keep your distance
- If sick, do not enter play area
- Maintain social distancing, avoid congregating and limit your gatherings
- Lake Boren Park isn't the only Newcastle play area. Click here to view a list of all of the Newcastle parks and their amenities. 

Please Note: Picnic shelters and reservations remain closed to discourage large gatherings.

ORIGINAL POST:

Newcastle parks/trails are open as well as our sports courts (basketball, tennis and volleyball courts). However playgrounds and picnic shelters remain closed to help limit the spread of COVID-19. 

A few reminders:
— Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with others
— Limit your gatherings to no more than 5 people outside of your household
— Wear a mask if you cannot maintain a safe distance from others
— To avoid congregating, please leave courts as soon as you finish your game

In order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and adhere to public health directives for social distancing, Newcastle City Hall will be closed to the public until further notice

Newcastle City Hall will be temporarily closed to in-person services and most staff will be working from home. Staff will still be available by phone and email to provide assistance and answer questions during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Please be assured that essential services, namely police and fire protection, will continue uninterrupted.

“To be clear, we are not shutting down the City or stopping services. We are evolving with the crisis and doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus as best we can,” said Newcastle City Manager Rob Wyman.

Please note: The closure does not affect the businesses located in Newcastle City Hall. Reach out to them directly for any changes to their schedules.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

— In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. For non-emergency police services or inquiries, please call 206-296-3311.

— For general questions, call City Hall at 425-649-4444 and leave a message. City staff will be checking the line frequently throughout the day and will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

— Report issues such as parks/trails concerns, problems involving storm drainage, streets, traffic signals and trees or other vegetation online using SeeClickFix.

— If you’re looking to chat with a specific staff member, you can view our staff directory at newcastlewa.gov/contact. All staff members will be available by email and will get back to you as soon as possible.

People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have reported symptoms that may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus:

— Fever
— Cough
— Difficulty breathing

If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

If you have difficulty breathing, it doesn't mean you have novel coronavirus, but you should call 9-1-1.

If you're over 60 and you have underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease. Come up with a plan with your doctor to identify your health risks for coronavirus and how to manage symptoms. Contact your doctor right away if you do have symptoms.

It’s important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus, especially to protect those who are more vulnerable. Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:

— Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
— Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
— Avoid contact with people who are sick
— Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others
— Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infections.

We encourage residents to stay informed by checking the following links from trusted regional and state sources. These offer resources, tips and the latest news and information:

— Public Health Seattle & King County: kingcounty.gov/covid
— Washington State Coronavirus Response: coronavirus.wa.gov

The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

King County has established a novel coronavirus call center. If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you're a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact 206-477-3977. The call center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For general questions about COVID-19, please call the state hotline number listed above.