The City of Yakima has declared a state of emergency due the presence of confirmed cases of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, in Yakima County. The Yakima County Health District announced Wednesday night that the virus has been confirmed to have infected two people in Yakima County.
The City Council has called a special meeting on Friday, March 13th at 4:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall to ratify the emergency declaration signed by Mayor Patricia Byers today.
“The emergency declaration allows the City to potentially be eligible for state and federal funding to help the City cover costs associated with its response to the COVID-19 virus,” said Interim City Manager Alex Meyerhoff. “The declaration also allows the City to call on additional resources if necessary to respond to the effects of the virus on the community,” said Meyerhoff.
The City has cancelled some events at the Harman Senior Center and is considering additional cancellations at City facilities.
The Yakima County Commission also issued a declaration of emergency during a special meeting today. The Yakima County Health District announced at the County Commission special meeting that it, too, has issued a declaration of emergency.
The Health District is encouraging community members are to continue to practice normal protective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:
– Staying home if you are sick and keeping sick children home from school
– Stay away from people who are sick
– Avoid visiting hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, etc.
– Limit interactions with others and practice social distancing
– Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces
– Call ahead before going to medical facilities – Do not go to the emergency room unless you are seriously ill
– Practice excellent personal hygiene, including washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Additional information will be provided regarding the City’s declaration of emergency as necessary.