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CORONAVIRUS: Jefferson Square office building closed for weekend cleaning after tenant reports ‘direct contact with a confirmed case’
March 13, 2020 8:22 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Multiple sources have sent us a letter posted in the Jefferson Square office building, on the north side of the center, saying the building is closed this weekend for cleaning, because “It has been reported that one of the tenants in the office building … has had direct contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.” Here’s the entire letter:

No information on which tenant or how the exposed person is doing. The office building’s access is largely separate from the retail businesses that ring the center.

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ADMIRAL DISTRICT: Bar crawl on Sunday – CANCELED
March 13, 2020 8:05 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news | WS beverages

8:06 PM FRIDAY: Announced today – a chance to help The Admiral District‘s beverage businesses stay afloat:

These last few weeks have been really tough for a lot of local businesses in the Admiral Junction. Here is your chance to help out. This Sunday, March 15th, join us for a bar crawl to support your favorite local businesses. Each of these businesses will be running drink specials and food specials.

5 pm – The Nook
5:30 pm – Yen Wor (in the bar in the back)
6 pm – Admiral Pub
6:30 pm – Arthur’s
7 pm – Mission Cantina
7:30 pm – Copper Coin
8 pm – Parliament Tavern
8:30 pm – Circa

If you can’t join us for the bar crawl, please try and stop by on Sunday to one of these businesses, and if you can’t stay, you can always buy gift cards. Any amount of support would be greatly appreciated from all your favorite bartenders, servers, cooks, dishwashers, and barbacks in the Admiral Junction.

Starting point The Nook is at 2206 California SW.

ADDED 11:15 AM SATURDAY: The proprietors have just told us this is off, after they discussed further and agreed the “social distancing” recommendations might be tough to meet.

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BIZNOTE: Pacific Room on Alki goes delivery-only, suspends live music
March 13, 2020 7:43 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Driving Alki this afternoon, we noticed a note on the door at Pacific Room (2808 Alki SW), so stopped to check it out. The restaurant/nightclub has suspended dining-room service and live music for at least the rest of March – but: “We will, however, be keeping our kitchen open and available for all takeout orders, 4 pm-9 pm, 7 days a week. Visit our website, check out our menu, give us a call, 206-829-9695, and let us make dinner easy for you!”

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HEALTH INSURANCE: Need it? Special open-enrollment window
March 13, 2020 4:51 pm
|    Comments Off on HEALTH INSURANCE: Need it? Special open-enrollment window
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Because of the coronavirus outbreak, the state’s Healthplanfinder has a special open-enrollment period for those who need health insurance. Read about it here. The announcement mentions working with a local broker/navigator – here’s a message from West Seattleite Carol McClure:

In response to the Coronavirus, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced a limited time special enrollment for individuals currently without health insurance. Applications must be created and submitted by April 8 to be covered beginning April 1. If you have questions or need help enrolling, please contact Financial Designs, 425-392-7390

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ENTERTAINMENT: How Admiral Theater is staying open
March 13, 2020 4:02 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | Coronavirus | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, this afternoon)

Need some diversion? West Seattle’s only movie theater is open. Here’s how the Admiral Theater‘s parent company Far Away Entertainment says things are being handled:

We are open and if you’re able to visit our movie theater, we thank you!

In order to promote social distancing, we’ll only be selling 50% of our seats to each show and scheduling shows further apart to allow for extra cleaning time. The 50% sales limit allows for more effective social distancing. Now there will be plenty of room to sit apart from others in all our auditoriums.

Employees have been asked to stay home if they’re feeling unwell and will also be screened upon coming to work. We will continue to take all extra cleaning precautions and measures.

We have some great shows on screen and hope you’re able to escape and enjoy a movie!

The Admiral is at 2343 California SW. Its lineup, showtimes, and ticket prices are here.

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UPDATE: West Seattle Farmers’ Market announces closure
March 13, 2020 2:42 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 3/8/20 West Seattle Farmers’ Market)

ORIGINAL 2:42 PM REPORT: Just in from the nonprofit that manages the West Seattle Farmers’ Market and others, a cancellation notice but with word that they’re working on other ways to get fresh food to shoppers:

For 26 years, the Neighborhood Farmers Market has provided the link between hundreds of Washington farmers and food producers and you, our neighborhood shoppers. And that is what we will continue to do as we explore safe options to connect you with local food.

Yesterday evening, the Mayor’s Office notified us that all neighborhood farmers markets in the City of Seattle will be suspended through April 13 in an imperative attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are complying, and with support from the city and our stakeholders it is our goal to welcome you all safely back into the markets as soon as possible.

I want to assure you that our staff, board, and community partners are working around the clock to ensure the Neighborhood Farmers Markets leads an effort to find creative solutions during this time – especially our farmers, food producers, and shoppers who rely on the markets and programs like Fresh Bucks for access to healthy food.

You can do two things to help local growers:

First, if you are interested in deliveries or pick-ups at neighborhood drop points from our over 200 market farmers and vendors, we want to know! As we explore all options to support our local farms and feed the community, you are an essential part of the solution. Fill out the interest form here.

Second, please donate to the Good Farmer Fund. Since 2008, this fund has provided over $250,000 in relief to small farms, who operate on slim margins and face high degrees of uncertainty even during the best of times. We need to replenish the fund and explore alternate funding in order to keep these small businesses in business during this time. Donate today.

In the coming weeks, we will be in regular touch to keep you informed about how COVID-19 is impacting our markets, organization, neighborhood food supply, and the farmers and food producers who make up a thriving local food economy that is now under threat. Our goal is to ensure that farmers markets and vendors survive this unforeseen disruption in their businesses and are able to continue to bring healthy food and vitality into Seattle neighborhoods.

There is work to do, and in the spirit of community, our interconnectedness, and feeding neighbors during good times and bad, you are all needed.

The timeframe means there won’t be another WS Farmers’ Market before Sunday, April 19th.
3:37 PM: Another email from Farmers’ Market management: “Please stay tuned for a corrected announcement from our organization later today. We regret the mixed messages during a confusing time, and are working internally and with our stakeholders to get you an update as quickly as possible.” We’ll update when we get it.

5:11 PM: Still waiting for the Farmers’ Market update, but the mayor’s office has just announced that her order suspending events such as these markets takes effect Monday, so we’re waiting to hear if that means one last market on Sunday or not.

7:51 PM: The Farmers’ Market management’s updated announcement says the market is suspended immediately, so NO market Sunday or subsequent Sundays until at least April 19th.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle Junction adds 15-minute parking
March 13, 2020 2:35 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Look for signs like that in each of the West Seattle Junction Association‘s four free parking lots (44th/Alaska, 44th/Oregon, 44th north of Edmunds, 42nd/Oregon) – they have just been set up to set aside two 15-minute parking spots in each lot, meant to facilitate going to a local business for something quick like picking up takeout food or an item you’ve ordered online or by phone.

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BIZNOTES: Morgan Junction edition – Thunder Road Guitars, The Bass Shop, West Seattle Thriftway
March 13, 2020 12:04 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Local businesses are doing everything they can to keep serving you as long as they can during the COVID-19 situation. So we’re publishing updates as we get them. These are from three Morgan Junction businesses:

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS & THE BASS SHOP: We stopped into the shop at 6400 California SW to check in. Here’s their message for you:

West Seattle! Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop are open for business and will remain open. We have more inventory in the store than ever with new guitars arriving daily. To be safe, we are taking daily measures to disinfect and wipe down surfaces, doors, etc. We understand and respect people wanting to stay out of public places and therefore we are offering free local shipping and/or delivery to all of West Seattle. We have gift cards available as well. We would love to see you! Tues – Sat 10 am – 6p m, online 24/7 www.thunderroadguitars.com and www.thebassshopseattle.com

Both shops are WSB sponsors.

WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Ownership/management of this independent local grocery store at 4201 SW Morgan (also a WSB sponsor) have this message for you:

(The “no personal cups” change for coffee bars seems to be increasingly common – though we’ve proudly brought a reusable cup to coffee shops going back to the ’90s, we’re leaving ours at home TFN.)

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BIZNOTE: Antique Mall of West Seattle closed TFN
March 13, 2020 11:03 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Seen in The Junction:

The Antique Mall of West Seattle is closed TFN.

We’ll continue to report on what businesses are doing to stay open as well as closures, so please keep the info coming – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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MARITIME: ‘Cargo-handling facilities remain operational’
March 13, 2020 10:15 am
|    Comments Off on MARITIME: ‘Cargo-handling facilities remain operational’
 |   Coronavirus | Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

With Port properties in West Seattle, you might wonder how the COVID-19 situation is affecting shipping. Here’s the latest update from the Northwest Seaport Alliance (the ports of Seattle and Tacoma):

During this COVID-19 pandemic, The Northwest Seaport Alliance remains committed to protecting the health of our community and employees. Working closely with the United States Coast Guard and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NWSA continues to serve the needs of our customers as cargo-handling facilities remain operational. We are also following the CDC’s recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus.

“We are focused on maintaining the reliability of our gateway, reducing the potential of infections and positioning ourselves so that we can adjust in the event that further measures become necessary,” said NWSA CEO John Wolfe.

The CDC is the main federal response agency for maritime vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard has authority on commercial vessel traffic and crew members on board the vessels. Here’s the U.S. Coast Guard’s latest marine safety information update from March 9: https://bit.ly/2vgVEy9.

Vessels destined for a U.S. port are required to report to the CDC any sick or deceased crew/passengers during 15 days prior to arrival at the U.S. port.

Non-passenger commercial vessels that have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) or embarked crew members who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the last 14 days, with no sick crew members, will be permitted to enter the U.S. and conduct normal operations, with restrictions. Crew members on these vessels will be required under captain of the port authority to remain aboard the vessel except to conduct specific activities directly related to vessel cargo or provisioning operations.

The NWSA and Washington state ports are in communication with each other and the United States Coast Guard through the USCG Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC), which was established to be prepared for events such as this.

We have implemented daily enhanced cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus at Port maritime and marine maintenance facilities including:

Providing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for self-cleaning of desks, equipment and NWSA vehicles.
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout facilities, including kitchens, handrails, doorknobs, offices, conference rooms and restrooms.

The Annual Breakfast, scheduled for March 25, 2020 has been postponed to a later date.

All non-essential domestic and international business travel for employees through April 15, 2020 has been suspended.

To increase physical distance among employees, the NWSA has implemented a flexible worksite policy for employees who are able to telework.

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FOOD: Where Sanislo Elementary students can get lunch today
March 13, 2020 9:22 am
|    Comments Off on FOOD: Where Sanislo Elementary students can get lunch today
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As reported earlier this morning, Seattle Public Schools will have lunches available at five local sites starting Monday, but that’s three days away. In addition to the Highland Park PTA effort continuing today, we have word of a lunch distribution for Sanislo Elementary students, from volunteer Holli:

Lunches for Sanislo Students provided today at Highland Park Improvement Club, 11 am-2 pm.

Thanks to the community and neighbors for pitching in to provide, assemble and serve! And to the Board of the club for providing this hub.

Address: 1116 SW Holden St.

Also see our daily highlight lists (today’s coming up shortly) for an all-ages site. Any others, for kids and/or adults, as this goes on, please let us know.

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FOOD: Here’s where Seattle Public Schools will offer free lunches
March 13, 2020 1:57 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

1:57 AM: Seattle Public Schools has announced the sites where it will offer free lunches during the extended closure. Starting Monday, those 5 sites in West Seattle/South Park, and 21 others around the city, “will provide lunches for all Seattle Public Schools students Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.” See the full list here; the local sites are:

Concord International Elementary School
723 S Concord St

Denny International Middle School
2601 SW Kenyon St

Chief Sealth International High School
2600 SW Thistle St

West Seattle Elementary School
6760 34th Ave SW

West Seattle High School
3000 California Ave SW

The district says families will get more information later today about these meal pickup sites.

ADDED FRIDAY EVENING: That additional information points people to the cafeteria/galleria areas at the school and also clarifies that these are “grab and go” meals – sack lunches.

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CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 3/12 toplines, from cases to closures, and more…
March 12, 2020 9:04 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Another day with a ton of news. Here’s our nightly roundup:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the once-a-day Seattle-King County Public Health update:

Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/11/20

270 confirmed cases (up 36 from yesterday)
27 confirmed deaths (up 1 from yesterday)

The one death being reported today is in a man in his 80s. He died at EvergreenHealth on 3/11/20.

Of the 27 deaths reported, 22 are associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.

ANOTHER WEST SEATTLE CASE: As we reported earlier this evening, families of residents at senior-living complex Bridge Park in High Point have been told it has a COVID-19 case, the second West Seattle case we know of.

TOP HAT QUARANTINE/ISOLATION SITE UPDATE: We reported on partner site White Center Now early today that the county is not expecting to bring anyone to the 206 SW 112th site for at least two weeks.

GOVERNOR ORDERS SCHOOL CLOSURES: This afternoon, another media briefing by Gov. Jay Inslee, this time for the announcement that all K-12 schools in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties must close by next Tuesday, and can’t reopen any sooner than April 27th. Our coverage includes video of the announcement, which also included State Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES, PARKS FACILITIES CLOSING: A lot of closures today were attributed to the new “public distancing” rules from SKC Public Health. The biggest: Mayor Jenny Durkan announced tonight that after tomorrow, all Seattle Public Library and Seattle Parks buildings will close until at least Aprll 13th. There are a few program exceptions, so read that announcement carefully.

OTHER CLOSURES: Many announcements today – the Log House Museum is closing; ArtsWest has canceled the production that was supposed to open tonight; Southwest Youth and Family Services is closing; WestSide Baby is suspending normal operations; The Little Gym of West Seattle is closing.

BOOK BUSINESSES: Local businesses are working hard to stay open; today we featured news from West Seattle’s two independent bookstores, including delivery plans. (We would love to hear from many other businesses – email us, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!)

HELP FOR BUSINESSES? The mayor announced details of a fund offering grants to some small businesses

SPEAKING OF HELP: The Highland Park Elementary PTA is doing a very cool thing – distributing food today, and again tomorrow, to anyone in need:

If you need help, go there. If you don’t, consider donating money/food.

WHAT’S CANCELED, POSTPONED, CHANGED LOCALLY: We’re continuing to update our West Seattle list – see it here (it’ll be caught up with today’s many changes shortly). If your organization, business, church, school, group, etc. has cancellations, postponements, changes, PLEASE let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302.

WSB CONTINUING COVERAGE: All the stories published on WSB related to the COVID-19 situation are categorized so that you can find them anytime at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus. We’re also using Twitter (@westseattleblog) for instant bursts. Any local info you’re NOT finding, please let us know so we can try to serve you better.

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UPDATE: Bridge Park in High Point has a COVID-19 case, families told
March 12, 2020 7:07 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | High Point | West Seattle news

7:07 PM: We have been told by multiple sources that families of residents at Bridge Park, a senior living complex at 3204 SW Morgan in High Point, have been notified of a COVID-19 case there. One shared this letter they received, signed by the general manager:

We went over to see what we could find out. The front doors were locked (though their website says they’re usually open until 7:30 pm); a notice on the door says they are not accepting visitors. We have a message out to Bridge Park’s parent company Holiday Retirement but have not yet received a reply. This would be the second publicly known COVID-19 case in West Seattle, after the one announced by South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) earlier this week.

ADDED 12:12 PM: We have heard back from Bridge Park’s parent company. Spokesperson Alyssa Cerrito emailed:

It has been reported to us that a resident at Bridge Park has tested positive for COVID-19. We are following our infectious disease prevention and response protocols. These include isolation for all residents at the community. In addition, we’re following safety measures across every aspect of our community operations, including closing the communal dining room, limiting entry to essential personnel and restricting interaction among our residents and associates. We are in the process of notifying the emergency contacts for our residents.

Our community team contacted King County health authorities immediately upon learning the diagnosis and is awaiting their recommendations on specific further steps to be taken beyond our current actions. Bridge Park is not a medical facility and does not provide healthcare for its residents, however the community will comply fully with all directions from applicable health authorities.

Additional information about Holiday Retirement’s response to the COVID-19 situation can be found at:

https://www.holidaytouch.com/corona-virus-info

(As far as we could tell from a quick look, that link does NOT include any information specific to the Bridge Park situation.)

ADDED 5:28 PM: From a letter sent to residents and families from Holiday Retirement, saying this is what they knew as of 1 pm today:

Yesterday, we informed the Bridge Park community that one of our residents had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. First, we thank residents and their family members for their understanding and cooperation during this stressful time. We know it is not enjoyable for residents to isolate in their apartments, but limiting social contact is truly the best way to prevent the spread of this virus.
Bridge Park has the support of the entire Holiday Retirement family, and our support center and community leadership team are working tirelessly to maintain essential services to residents while keeping our residents and employees safe.

We would like to reiterate the importance of limiting contact among residents and with the outside world. Leaving and reentering the community will only increase all residents’ risk of contracting the virus. We especially appreciate the understanding of family members who are unable to enter the community to visit with their loved ones. Please be assured that we are doing all we can to keep your loved ones safe and comfortable.

Today at approximately 11 am Pacific Time, community management and the Holiday support center spoke with the King County Department of Public Health. The Department advised Bridge Park to continue with the measures it has already implemented. The Department also said that it will follow-up with any additional guidelines within the next couple of days and requested that we call the Department if we learn of any additional cases.

We understand that testing for COVID-19 is not widely available. However, if you experience symptoms and see a doctor, we encourage you to ask your doctor about being tested. If we obtain any information from the Department of Public Health about testing availability, we will share it with the Bridge Park community in a future update.

If you would like additional information about the situation at Bridge Park, please call the community’s phone number at (206) 938-6394. In order to allow community staff to attend to residents’ needs without distraction, the Holiday support center will help you when you call. We apologize in advance if your call is not immediately answered. Please understand that our first priority is supporting Bridge Park and other Holiday Retirement communities with all available resources to address this rapidly evolving situation. If you are unable immediately to speak with a live individual, please leave a message or a callback number and someone will respond as quickly as possible.

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CLOSING: All Seattle Public Library locations, Seattle Parks community centers and pools
March 12, 2020 6:40 pm
|    Comments Off on CLOSING: All Seattle Public Library locations, Seattle Parks community centers and pools
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Just announced:

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced additional steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Researchers are estimating that there are 1,100 active COVID-19 infections in our region. By early April, the region may see 25,000 people infected if no actions are taken. To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, The Seattle Public Library will close all Library locations. Except for preschool programs and hygiene services, Seattle Parks and Recreation will cancel all programming, rentals, and permitted events, and close all community centers, pools, environmental learning centers, and all other recreation facilities to the public.

This announcement follows the State and County’s new measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including a prohibition of events with more than 250 people, and a prohibition on events with less than 250 people, if they don’t meet public health guidance on social distancing and hygiene. All closures will take effect at 6 p.m. tomorrow, March 13, and will last until at least April 13. The City will be in continued contact with public health officials to evaluate our facilities beyond this timeline. …

Many vulnerable populations, including people living unsheltered, rely on community centers and libraries to provide critical hygiene services. That’s why Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) will continue the shower program for those in need at Delridge, Green Lake, Meadowbrook, Miller and Rainier community centers, and all SPR bathrooms and handwashing stations will remain open.

Understanding our preschool programs are critical for families in Seattle, the City will allow preschool programs in community centers to operate with the latest public heath guidance, and the department will evaluate the feasibility of continuing to keep these programs open. Affordable and accessible childcare and preschool is critical for so many residents, especially as Seattle Public Schools close, which is why SPR is also looking to create alternate programs for before and after school care. All facilities that remain open will continue to be cleaned in accordance with public health guidance.

The Seattle Public Library (SPL) will continue to provide many digital services, such as e-books and e-audiobooks; streaming movies, TV and music services; free access to magazines and newspapers; and more. SPL’s ‘Ask Us’ reference question platform, which can be accessed online and or by phone, may experience some downtime as the Library works to enable staff to do this work from home. The Library is also extending loan periods during this time, and patrons do not need to return materials until SPL is back in full operation. SPL is also a fine-free library, so no patrons will incur late fines during this time.

“We are in the midst of unprecedented times and challenges and, while it is difficult to make the decision to close our libraries to respond to COVID-19, I know it is the right one for the health and safety of our public, staff and volunteers,” said Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner. “We encourage all cardholders to explore our rich collection of digital resources during this period of limited social contact and limited recreational options. We provide free access to music, movies, TV, newspapers, magazines and more. We will be looking at other creative ways to serve our community during this time, and we look forward to welcoming our patrons back into our buildings as soon as we can.”

Even before this announcement, SPL said it was closing its branches at 6 tonight because of staffing shortages.

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BIZNOTES: Need to read? Updates from Pegasus Book Exchange, Paper Boat Booksellers
March 12, 2020 4:47 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle books | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We have updates today from West Seattle’s independent local bookstores:

PEGASUS BOOK EXCHANGE: This Junction bookstore is now offering delivery, within 3 miles of the store, on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays. They’ll take orders via email – pegasusbookexchange (at) gmail.com – and get back to you with a cost. Delivery fee is $5 but will be waived for purchases over $50. Here’s an image of the full announcement. Pegasus’s store is still open, too – 4553 California SW (and they have an online shop here).

PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS: This Morgan Junction bookstore also working on delivery. Meantime, some other changes. From co-proprietor Desirae:

We will be reducing our hours temporarily starting tomorrow 3/13. For right now, we feel that this is necessary due to school closures as well as the health and safety of our team and our customers. We will find every way we can to get books into the hands of those who need them!!! We are working on our online store right now and plan to deliver to those who can’t make it in – more details to come… Family reading time is canceled for the remainder of the month! Still happening: Classic Novels Book Club this Sunday at 2:00! As always – feel free to call or email us with questions and to place your book orders. We love you, West Seattle, and we will work together to create a stronger, more healthy community by supporting each other as best we can!

Paper Boat is at 6040 California SW.

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BIZNOTE: The Little Gym of West Seattle closing for at least 2 weeks
March 12, 2020 4:13 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: The Little Gym of West Seattle closing for at least 2 weeks
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Also closing because advised “social distancing” would not be possible – The Little Gym of West Seattle. From their announcement:

After very careful consideration following yesterday’s announcements by Governor Jay Inslee and Seattle Public Schools, we have made the difficult decision that we must close the Little Gym of West Seattle for a minimum of 14 days, effective Friday, March 13th due to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). We are basing this decision on recommendations issued by Governor Jay Inslee, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

As of this time, we would plan to reopen Friday, March 27th, however as this is a rapidly-changing situation, we will continue to monitor and assess, and take into account any recommendations or mandates from government agencies.

We know there will be many questions about what this means for you. We are working through this and are prepared to take your questions and concerns as best as we can. Thank you for your patience and graciousness during this unprecedented event.

As we have mentioned in classes, our goal was to keep our doors open as long as possible in order to support our students and families. Our incredible teachers and TLG families / students have been diligent in our commitment to enhanced cleaning and illness protocols, and we appreciate everyone’s effort. Closing is in no way because of a failure in those practices. Despite our best efforts to remain open, we cannot continue to do so and still be in compliance with social distancing regulations. We have a responsibility, as a company who works with all your children, to comply with these guidelines in order to ensure a safer and healthier community for all.

We realize no decision we could make would satisfy every person that attends TLG. We know that we are a respite for many of our students and families, and we have heard from many of you that you were thankful we remained open. We are saddened to take a two-week break from our work that we are so passionate about, and more importantly, from the students that are like family to us.

However, we know that if our community is to stop the spread of this virus, that we have an obligation to adhere to the same actions. Even though we fall well below the 250-person regulation, we cannot safely adhere to social distancing. It is impossible to conduct progressive and safe gymnastics if we are unable to spot our kids, and keep everyone separated by at least six feet at all times. We also worry about putting our vulnerable populations at greater risk by continuing the spread of this virus so feel the most responsible thing we can do.

What does this mean for families enrolled in classes and paying tuition?

This schedule of makeup classes will take some time for us to put together logistically, but please know we will work on a solution to try and accommodate all our members. …

We’ll continue to publish business announcements – what IS continuing/staying open/happening, as well as closures/cancellations – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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THEATER: ArtsWest cancels ‘Saint Joan’ hours before opening night
March 12, 2020 3:46 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction says it has to cancel its new production “Saint Joan” – planned to open tonight, after a preview performance last night – because it’s “unable to meet the [new Public Health] requirements, especially those of social distancing.” They’ll be “working over the next few weeks to determine if we can offer ‘Saint Joan’ later in our season schedule.” And AW adds it will email ticketholders with info when they have it. The announcement on the AW website also notes that this will hurt, as they’re a nonprofit dependent on ticket revenue; here’s how to donate if you can.

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VIDEO: Governor orders all King, Pierce, Snohomish K-12 schools closed until April 27th
March 12, 2020 2:04 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Governor’s Office photo)

2:04 PM: Governor Inslee has just announced that ALL K-12 schools in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties must be closed by next Tuesday, and won’t be able to reopen before April 27th. He says this is a “tipping point” if there is hope of slowing the COVID-19 outbreak. (Most, but not all, schools in our area already have closed or announced closure plans.) He says this might have to expand to other counties but right now he’s starting with these three. “Our top priority is reducing the number of infections and deaths.”

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal says that while it’s good that kids aren’t being affected as much by the virus, they can be “carriers.” Regarding the return to school on April 27th, he says they’ll be “constantly reviewing” that plan. He says King County schools’ absence rate has almost doubled recently (6% to 11%). He stresses the point that “this is not like the flu” and systems have to prepare for the possibility of longer closures, including figuring out how distance learning would work. Reykdal says everyone should think of next week as “spring break” so that substitute education, food, etc., plans can be made. He also says state funding for public schools will “keep flowing.” They’re also still figuring out what this will mean for high-school seniors. State testing, however, will likely be entirely suspended, he says.

Will these lost days have to be made up? Reykdal says they’ve advised districts that likely some days – assuming schools DO resume April 27th – will have to be made up, but there’s no “mathematical” way that ALL the lost days can or will be made up.

As for colleges, any still open need to be getting ready for potential closures, the governor says.

2:57 PM: The briefing is over so we’ve taken down the live-video window and put up a still photo. (If/when we find archived video, we’ll add it.) Here’s the governor’s news release.

5:01 PM: Here’s the video:

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HOW TO HELP: Highland Park Elementary PTA working to ensure people stay fed
March 12, 2020 1:37 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news


The Highland Park Elementary PTA is working to ensure community members stay fed. If you need help – or can offer help – here’s what Laura Olson, co-president, sent us along with the photos:

We are here at Highland Park Elementary, handing out grocery bags of food and sack lunches to our school families. We’ll be here all day, until 7 and again tomorrow.

Food is available to our community members in need; please stop by. We are taking donations of food or volunteers, and donations can be made via PayPal to hpemustang@gmail.com. Thank you for your help! The more support we receive, the more families we can help during this school closure.

HPE is at 1012 SW Trenton [map].

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CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 3/11 toplines – crowd bans, business guidance, closing schools, newest numbers, more…
March 11, 2020 9:09 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

This was the biggest news day in the 12 days since our area’s first COVID-19 case was announced. Here are today’s many (mostly) local toplines:

CROWD BANS & BUSINESS GUIDANCE: The day began with Governor Inslee announcing that in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties – whose executives and biggest-city mayors joined him for the occasion – he’s banning gatherings of 250+ people. Here’s our coverage, including video. As for smaller gatherings – King County is banning those too, unless new rules are followed. Plus, SKC Public Health has new guidance so that retail businesses can keep operating (read about that here).

P.S> – DON’T CALL 911 … to report big crowds, the King County Sheriff’s Office says.

SCHOOLS CLOSING: The biggest announcement today came at noontime from Seattle Public Schools – closing as of tomorrow, for at least two weeks. Most independent/parochial schools have followed, and at least one other nearby public district (Vashon Island, starting Friday). We have launched a school-closure list to track them all, and will continue adding to it.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From this afternoon’s daily Seattle-King County Public Health news release:

Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/10/20

234 confirmed cases (up 44 from yesterday)
26 confirmed deaths (up 4 from yesterday)

The four deaths being reported today were all among previously reported cases. These additional deaths include:

A woman in her 90s, Life Care Center resident, died on 3/3.
A man in his 90s, Life Care Center resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, died on 3/5.
A woman in her 60s, Life Care Center resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, died on 3/9.
A woman in her 90s, a resident of Redmond Care and Rehab, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, died on 3/10.

Of the 26 deaths reported, 22 are associated with Life Care Center.

FOR STATEWIDE NUMBERS … go here – including not just cases and deaths by county, but also total number of tests, positive and negative.

FOR A WORLDWIDE LOOK … go here.

CHURCH CHANGES: Not only did the Archdiocese of Seattle order Catholic schools to close, the Archbishop has also suspended public Masses.

YOUTH SPORTS: The West Seattle Little League has canceled “all games, practices, clinics, and events.” School sports were already being affected – CYO sports already had been called off for this weekend, and the SPS middle-school basketball playoffs too.

AS FOR PRO SPORTS … the crowd restrictions are affecting the start of the Mariners season – here’s what the team said today. Meantime, Sounders FC has postponed its March 21st home match.

CRUISE SEASON DELAYED: Last Sunday, we reported that the first cruise ship due in Seattle this season, on April 1st, was the coronavirus-beset Grand Princess. Today the Port of Seattle announced that sailing and the second one of the season are canceled.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? We hope to publish many more answers to this question in the days ahead. Tonight, the West Seattle Food Bank says what it needs most is money.

WHAT’S CANCELED, POSTPONED, CHANGED LOCALLY: We’re continuing to update our West Seattle list – see it here. If your organization, business, church, school, group, etc. has cancellations, postponements, changes, PLEASE let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302.

WSB CONTINUING COVERAGE: All the stories published on WSB related to the COVID-19 situation are categorized so that you can find them anytime at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus. We’re also using Twitter (@westseattleblog) for instant bursts. Any local info you’re NOT finding, please let us know so we can try to serve you better.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP: What the West Seattle Food Bank needs
March 11, 2020 8:21 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

Many have asked how they can help neighbors in the midst of all this. We sent that question to the West Seattle Food Bank, for starters. Here’s how executive director Fran Yeatts replied, with an update on ther operations as well as what you can do to help:

We want to keep our community healthy while still ensuring access to basic needs!

In light of the news regarding COVID-19, we are taking measures to keep our spaces safe for clients and volunteers. It is our priority to keep our community healthy while continuing to ensure all our neighbors have access to food, emergency financial assistance, diapers, and other basic needs.

Here’s how we are moving forward with our services:

· At this time, the Food Bank will remain open. We have slightly expanded hours in order to limit the number of individuals in the food bank at one time. Our lobby is closed so shoppers are waiting outside. We are continually cleaning surfaces and carts and encouraging social distancing while at the food bank.

The Clothesline will be closed until further notice.

We continue to process requests for financial assistance for eviction notices and utility shut off notices.

We will communicate with community partners to determine how to best ensure our students stay fed during school closures.

We will continue to provide Home Delivery services to those on our list and add deliveries as able for individuals unable to get to the food bank due to illness.

We will not be taking any new orders through the Baby & Child Corner but will distribute orders on hand and diapers & supplies if they are available.

People at higher risk for COVID-19 infection and anyone in poor health are encouraged to stay home.

Here’s how you can help:

· Financial assistance allows us the flexibility of using funds for specific needs that arise from this situation. If interested in providing financial assistance, please donate here.

· This is a very fluid situation. As we identify additional ways this community can assist, we will keep you posted.

As we’ve been reporting, the West Seattle Food Bank recently merged with the West Seattle Helpline, so its mission is broader than ever, keeping people from becoming homeless, as well as fighting hunger.

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CORONAVIRUS: Update on Senior Center of West Seattle operations
March 11, 2020 6:36 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Update on Senior Center of West Seattle operations
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

The Senior Center of West Seattle serves thousands of local residents, so we’ve been publishing updates on how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting its operations and programs. The latest from interim director Amy Lee Derenthal:

March 11, 2020

The Senior Center of West Seattle (SCWS) shares your concerns about the rapidly evolving and expanding global novel coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 at the SCWS, nor any staff with symptoms.

The SCWS will continue to be closed except for essential programs listed below through March 31st following the Seattle School Closure notice and recommendations from the King County Department of Public Health.

SCWS ESSENTIAL PROGRAM UPDATE

–Community Dining – sack lunches are available between 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

–Food Bank distributions on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

–Meals on Wheels will be delivered as normal on Wednesdays.

–Social Workers are continuing outreach and will have office hours for individuals as needed.

–Stop and Shop: We will keep the Stop and Shop open as long as we have volunteer coverage. Communications will go out as we know more and if we have to close.

Please call the Senior Center at 206-932-4044 if you have questions about these services.

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