For immediate release
March 4, 2020
CONTACT:
Heather Thomas, 425.339.8688, hthomas@snohd.org
Kent
Patton, 425.388.3883, kent.patton@snoco.org
Kimberley
Cline, 425.257.8687, kcline@everettwa.gov
Snohomish County United
in Response to COVID-19
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Out of an abundance of caution over the spread of COVID-19,
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and City of Everett Mayor Cassie
Franklin are declaring a State of Emergency for Snohomish County and the City
of Everett, in coordination with Snohomish County’s Health Officer Dr. Chris
Spitters, who has simultaneously declared a Public Health Emergency for the
County.
Executive Somers, Dr. Spitters and Mayor Franklin will be
available to answer media questions at a joint press conference at 10 a.m.
tomorrow (Thursday, March 5) in the Public Meeting Rooms on the Snohomish
County Campus.
“We know people are concerned, and this declaration will help us
work together to keep people safe,” Executive Somers said. “These declarations
formalize the work we’ve been doing together since the first COVID-19
coronavirus case was confirmed on January 21, 2020. Collaboration with all of
our partners is what makes Snohomish County resilient. The public can be
assured we are responding as quickly and decisively as possible.”
“These proclamations make it easier for us to continue to work
with our partners as we use the best available medical strategies to keep our
community safe and healthy,” said Dr. Spitters. “It also provides the
flexibility needed to respond to this rapidly evolving issue.”
“The Board of Health will be convening to consider a resolution
that formally authorizes the Snohomish Health District to use emergency
reserves in this response,” said Stephanie Wright, chair for the Board of
Health and Snohomish County councilmember. “We stand ready to support the
staff and our partners in the efforts critically needed in the coming days and
weeks.”
“We are working in collaboration with the County to ensure our
residents are up-to-date on the situation,” said Mayor Franklin. “These are
precautionary steps to ensure we have maximum flexibility as a community to
respond. We ask our residents to take necessary steps to ensure their and their
family’s health and safety.”
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