HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW 2020-09-28 Item 4A - COVID-19 - Coronavirus Weekly ReportITEM INFORMATION
STAFF SPONSOR: RACHEL BIANCHI ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: 9/28/20
AGENDA ITEM TITLE A weekly update on the City’s planning and response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
CATEGORY Discussion Motion Resolution Ordinance Bid Award Public Hearing Other
Mtg Date 9/28/20 Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date
SPONSOR Council Mayor HR DCD Finance Fire TS P&R Police PW
SPONSOR’S
SUMMARY The City is actively engaged in regional efforts to address the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Staff are providing the Council with updated information regarding the City’s response to
COVID-19.
REVIEWED BY Trans&Infrastructure CommunitySvs/Safety Finance Com Planning/Economic Dev.
LTAC Arts Comm. Parks Comm. Planning Comm.
DATE: N/A COMMITTEE CHAIR:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONSOR/ADMIN. N/A
COMMITTEE N/A
COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$ $ $
Fund Source:
Comments:
MTG. DATE RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
MTG. DATE ATTACHMENTS
09/28/20 Coronavirus Report
C OUNCIL AGENDA S YNOPSIS
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Meeting Date Prepared by Mayor’s review Council review
9/28/20 RB 4.A.
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Coronavirus Response Update
September 28, 2020
* Denotes All New Content in the Section
Essential Services and City Operations
There are no changes to essential services or City operations since the last report. The Administration is
currently surveying staff to understand the impacts of public schools being closed this fall on the organization.
Staff leadership is seeking to understand how we can accommodate employees impacted by children engaged in
distance learning this fall.
Financial Stability
At the May 18 City Council meeting the Council approved various measures for the mayor to implement to
address the revenue shortfalls associated with the coronavirus pandemic. The Council continues to receive
regular updates on the implementation of the financial measures associated with the coronavirus pandemic, the
most recent of which is at the September 28, 2020 Committee of the Whole.
Police Staffing and Calls for Service
There have been no changes to Police staffing since the last report.
Fire Staffing and Calls for Service
There have been no changes to Fire staffing since the last report.
*Human Services
In September, Human Services staff served 18 households (59 individuals) for a total of $18,295.79 with rental
assistance from both the general fund and HB 1406 funds and utility assistance from the general fund.
Out of the $18,295.79, one household (3 individuals) required utility assistance of $368.79. 17 households (56
individuals) received rental assistance totaling $17,927. Of that total, HB 1406 funds accounted for $15,950 of
the rental assistance distributed in September.
In May, Human Services staff implemented their internal HB 1406 rental assistance program. From May through
the end of September, staff has assisted 67 unduplicated households (235 individuals) with HB 1406 specific
funds in the amount of $74,397.49.
HB 1406 funds continue to be a critical tool as residents slowly get back to work, get established in new jobs and
figure out the complexities of online learning for those with children. We continue to monitor federal funds that
will be distributed to our area through KC and how we can refer our residents to those additional funds once
they become available.
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* Business Recovery
Business Re‐Openings
As of September 22, King County continues in Phase 2 of Washington’s “Safe Start” four phase business
reopening plan. On July 28 the State paused any counties from moving into higher phases and the pause
continues in effect and economic development staff does not anticipate counties being allowed to move into
higher phases in the near future.
Currently, most of Tukwila’s business activities are allowed to be open (some under significant capacity
limitations and safety procedures). Business activities still not allowed in this Phase include indoor card rooms,
large sporting events, and vending game areas (pool tables, video games, arcades, etc.).
On September 16th, the Governor announced new guidance allowing weddings and receptions up to 30 people
or 25% of venue capacity if they follow other requirements. On September 22, the Governor announced new
guidance allowing venues such as conference centers and meeting space in hotels to operate for business
meetings, training, testing, and similar activities. The venues will need to follow guidance which includes
limitations such as the lesser of 200 people or 30% of venue capacity and a minimum of 6 feet distance between
all attendees. Even so, these are positive steps for our hotels and other venues catering to weddings, funerals,
and business meetings.
Business Assistance
Work continues on SavingLocalKC.com, ExperienceTukwila, Southside Promise, collaborating with the Chamber
and other regional organizations, and the $31,965 small business grant program.
Unemployment
The report will be updated monthly with the unemployment spreadsheet. This was last made available in the
September 21, 2020 coronavirus update.
*. Meeting our Community’s Basic Needs
Tukwila Food Pantry
Tuesday 09/15 369
Thursday 09/17 567
Saturday 09/19 514
Tuesday 09/23 454
Senior Meal Distribution
50 households
56 clients
364 meals
Public Safety Plan Construction Projects
There have been no changes to the Public Safety Plan projects since the last report.
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Compliance with the Governor’s Order
There have been no changes to compliance issues since the last report.
* Covid‐19 Testing Sites
Seattle King County Public Health, in partnership with the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, CHI Franciscan and
the Tukwila Fire Department, is opening a drive through COVID testing site at Church by the Side of the Road in
Tukwila in early October. Walk ups will also be allowed; the site was chosen due to its proximity to public
transportation. Staff has been working with Public Health to support their efforts. The site is considered a
“medium volume” site and expected to test between 300 and 500 people per day. Individuals interested in being
tested will register online – though approximately 20% of their daily tests are for folks who did not register – and
receive an appointment time. This process allows them to control the number of cars on the site at one time,
reducing queuing and backups into the right of way. Once they open, they expect to be open six days a week from
Monday through Saturday from 8:30 to. 5:30 p.m. Public Health expects with the flu season coming there will be
more public interest in being tested. The agency also recognizes the importance of bringing more testing sites to
South King County.
Below are the two current nearest testing sites in/to Tukwila. For more information on free testing sites in King
County, visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid‐19/testing.aspx
Tukwila Pantry, October 8, 2020 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Highline College, Wednesdays 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* Public Health – Seattle & King County Covid‐19 Outbreak Summary – Tukwila
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