If your home/residence becomes unsafe, you are permitted/urged to leave and stay at a safe alternate location (e.g. victims of domestic violence).
Doesn’t Apply If:
If you are an individual experiencing homelessness, but you are urged to obtain shelter, and governmental and other entities are strongly encouraged to do as much as they can to increase their capacity to help as many people as possible.
What Does This Mean for Gatherings?
Effective midnight on March 25, 2020 until midnight April 6, 2020 (unless extended beyond that date)
No public and private gatherings
Regardless of the number of people involved
doesn’t apply to people who are part of a single household or residential living unit.
What Does This Mean for Businesses?
All non-essential businesses in shall cease operations by midnight March 25, 2020 except for performing basic minimum operations.
What to do, what not to do, what various levels of government are instructing us to do, and what you shouldn’t do just because you see other people doing it…
Bars/Restaurants
Governor Inslee’s Emergency Proclamation
Mandatory and immediate 2-week closure of all:
Restaurants
Bars
Entertainment facilities
Recreational facilities
Restaurants can still provide:
✓ Takeout
✓ Delivery
Dental Offices
All elective procedures are to be put on hold.
Offices should still see patients for dental emergencies or urgent dental care.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has called upon dentists to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by postponing elective procedures for the next three weeks. For the ADA’s guidelines on what constitutes a dental emergency, please refer to this document.
Groceries/Household Supplies
Grocery stores and pharmacies are still open and there is no need to hoard supplies. Seattle’s supply chain is strong according to governor Inslee[edit: This was confirmed 3/19/20 by Greg Ferrara, President of the National Grocers Association], so please, be considerate of your neighbors and community and do not contribute to shortages – buy what you need right now.
Health Officer Order (Dr. Jeff Duchin, Department of Public Health – Seattle & King County)
All events with > 50 people are prohibited until further notice
All events with < 50 people are discouraged and prohibited unless organizers observe COVID-19 prevention measure requirements.
All bars, dance clubs, fitness and health clubs, movie theaters, nightclubs, and other social and recreational establishments shall be closed until at least March 31.
All other retail – including banks, grocery stores, hardware stores and pharmacies – should and may remain open, provided they observe COVID-19 prevention measures.
Lyft is pausing Shared rides across all markets. The health and safety of the Lyft community is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to doing what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and base our actions on official guidance.
In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, until further notice, fare enforcement inspectors will not ask for proof of payment on board Link light rail or Sounder trains.
Buses and the Lightrail are increasing efforts to sanitize and keep cars/buses clean.
Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water)
Residential Evictions in Seattle have been Halted During this Outbreak
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) , Seattle City Light (SCL), and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will keep utility services on during the COVID-19 Civil Emergency in Seattle.
SPU and SCL customers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, regardless of background or immigration status, can request a deferred payment plan that includes reversed late fees.
From the site: “This list is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes, but is not limited to, actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers & playwrights, photographers, etc.” Visit covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com to see the full list of regularly updated resources.
Financial Support for Seattle Artists Impacted by COVID-19
Seattle-based author and artist Ijeoma Oluo and others have organized this fundraiser on behalf of Artists Relief Fund. From the website: “This fund is aimed at helping those in the greater Seattle arts community who have been financially impacted by cancellations due to COVID-19, with priority given to BIPOC artists, transgender & nonbinary artists, and disabled artists – but we will try to help as many artists with need in Seattle as we can.” To donate to the fund, go here: gofundme.com/f/for-artists. To apply for funding, visit: surveymonkey.com/r/LHJNLQV.
Both Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance and Washington Initiative 1433 establish local and statewide paid sick leave for hourly employees working in Washington state. In Seattle, the law requires employers to provide all employees with paid sick and safe time. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary, exempt, and non-exempt employees. Please call the Seattle Office of Labor Standards at (206) 256-5297 or visit Office of Labor Standards PSST page here.
State Unemployment Benefits for Workers
The Washington State Employment Security Department has programs designed to help individuals and employers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. They have an easy-to-read comparison guide listing some of the most common scenarios that may occur and benefits that may apply. More information for workers and businesses here: esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19.
Washington Small Business Development Center Business Resiliency Toolkit
The Business Resiliency Guide is a tool to help small business owners assess risks and make contingency plans that will enable businesses to recover from the immediate threat of COVID-19 as well as the disruptions that could continue over weeks or months. You can download the business resiliency guide and supporting materials here: wsbdc.org/protect-your-business/business-resiliency/.
OLS has compiled a comprehensive list of resources and FAQs for both workers and employers affected by COVID-19: seattle.gov/laborstandards.
Small Business/Non-Profit Help
City of Seattle B&O Tax Deferment Information
Effective immediately, the City of Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) will defer business and occupation (B&O) tax collections for businesses that have annual taxable incomes of $5 million or less and that pay city taxes quarterly. This will allow small business owners increased flexibility during a period of financial duress caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. If you have questions, please call (206) 684-8484 or email: tax@seattle.gov.
Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. You can find more information about how to manage your mortgage, rent, and personal finances at their website: dfi.wa.gov/coronavirus-financial-resources
Financial Support for Non-Profit Organizations Impacted by COVID-19
Hosted by Seattle Foundation, the COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible resources to organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. The Fund is designed to complement the work of public health officials and expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible. To donate to the fund, go here: seattlefoundation.org/communityimpact/civic-leadership/covid-19-response-fund.
Resources for Unemployed Workers from United Way of King County
The Washington State Employment Security Department has programs designed to help individuals and employers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. They have an easy-to-read comparison guide listing some of the most common scenarios that may occur and benefits that may apply. More information for workers and businesses here: esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19.
Small Business Adminstration Economic Injury Disaster Loans
In addition, small businesses in Seattle and King County are now eligible to apply for up to $2 million in low‑interest Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With currently $1 billion in loan subsidies available from the federal government, the City’s Office of Economic Development (OED) will be offering technical assistance and launching resources to help small businesses apply for SBA loans.
Eligible small businesses can receive loans of up to $2 million to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the impact of COVID-19. Small businesses, private nonprofit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of COVID-19 are eligible to apply.
Applicants for the federal SBA may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
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