Yesterday, a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order was issued. Here’s what that means for the Renton community:
All community members must stay home for a minimum of two weeks with the exception of:
- Pursuing an essential activity, like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.
- Getting takeout food. (Food deliveries also are permitted).
- Going to work at an essential business.
- Going outside for walks and exercise, if social distancing of six feet is maintained.
All non-essential businesses are ordered to close within 48-hours of the order. The following are remaining open:
- Grocery stores
- Pharmacies
- Gas stations
- Food supply chains
- Other things necessary for continued operations
Social gatherings are prohibited. This includes social gatherings inside or outside your home. All gatherings of people for social, spiritual and recreational purposes are prohibited. This applies to both private and public gatherings which include everything for sleepovers for children to weddings and funerals. These types of events must be postponed for public health and safety.
Operating a non-essential business 48-hours after the order (which went into effect Monday, 3/24) is also prohibited. Businesses that can operate while their employees telecommute should continue to do so. Businesses that believe they are essential, or provide essential services or functions, will be able to request designation as an essential business. Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet. You may have noticed that your local grocery store has tape on the floor around their cash registers. These tape lines indicate a standing distance of six feet for patrons waiting in line. Please use these resources to keep yourself safe when you must leave the house.
First Responders are considered essential and our organization continues to function during this order. Many of our administrative staff are working from home to adhere to social distancing measures while continuing to ensure the smooth operation of our organization. Our firefighters are taking daily precautions while continuing to be at the ready to help Renton community members in need. We remain ready and able to respond to emergencies that include patients with symptoms or confirmed COVID-19, while simultaneously maintaining the procedures necessary to keep our members and other patients safe who are not symptomatic.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency and have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), it is imperative for the safety of our firefighters that you let the dispatcher know when calling 9-1-1. Please do not withhold that information out of fear that we will not respond. We will. Letting us know the full circumstance of your condition helps us prepare and respond appropriately, for your safety and ours. We are all in this together and our primary focus remains keeping our community strong and healthy during this difficult time.
[information provided by coronavirus.wa.gov]
