The closure of some City of Yakima facilities and limited public access to other City facilities remain in effect in an effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The Harman Senior Center, the Henry Beauchamp Community Center, the Washington Fruit Community Center, the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center, and Lions Pool, all City-owned, are closed until further notice. Likewise, City recreation programs and events have been cancelled until further notice. Events at the Capitol Theatre and the Yakima Convention Center, both of which are also owned by the City, have been cancelled at least for the remainder of March.
All City board, commission, and committee meetings are cancelled until further notice. Yakima Municipal Court is operating at a reduced level of service, meaning some court processes are currently suspended.
The City has implemented social distancing practices at all currently-open City facilities. The City has increased cleaning and sanitizing efforts at City facilities, including Yakima Transit buses, and is making every effort to safeguard the health and well-being of its employees and customers.
The closure of currently-open City facilities is being closely evaluated and considered.
The City is continuing to provide all services, but strongly encourages community members to utilize online, telephone, and other options to conduct business with the City. The City’s website (www.yakimawa.gov) includes directions for community members to follow to conduct business with the City by other means than in person.
The Yakima Police Department and Yakima Fire Department are continuing to respond to incidents, however, community members are strongly encouraged to report incidents online or by telephone.
Community members can still provide input and feedback to Council members via e-mail, postal mail, and telephone.
City staff is regularly receiving information from the Yakima County Health District regarding the COVID-19 virus and is sharing that information on its various communications platforms.
“The City intends to continue to provide all services during this emergency,” said City Communications & Public Affairs Director Randy Beehler. “This is certainly a challenging time for us all. But through diligence, cooperation, and coordination, we will meet the challenge,” said Beehler.
Additional information will be provided regarding the City’s response to the COVID-19 emergency as necessary.