Government

Operational Changes due to Coronavirus

Updated March 30, 2020

 

The City of Tukwila is actively engaged in the regional effort to address the coronavirus.  For more information, visit King County Public Health, which has a wealth of resources, including information in other languages.

 

The City has recently enacted the following temporary operational changes in response to the regional coronavirus outbreak:

  • The City has moved many City functions to a Virtual City Hall.  City staff is available during business hours via phone and email. Many City services, including paying utility bills; applying for a job; looking up the status of permit; applying for a business license; and obtaining City records are available on the City’s website.
  • Tukwila Community Center is closed until April 27, 2020.
  • As of March 17, 2020 the Municipal Court is closed to the public, with a few exceptions, until further notice. Please refer to the court’s administrative order (2020-1) for details. Video hearings will be heard on Tuesdays and Thursdays at approximately 10:00 a.m. and will be available for viewing in the Tukwila City Hall lobby. Any urgent out of custody matters will be set at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Please contact the court for details.
  • Police services remain open. For emergencies please call 9-1-1. If it is not an emergency, call the non-emergency number: (206) 241-2121. Please do not visit the City’s Police Station unless absolutely necessary. You can still file reports online with the Police Online Reporting System. Fingerprinting services have been temporarily suspended.
  • All fire stations in the region, including the City’s fire stations are closed to the public.  This will help reduce the risk of Coronavirus transmission to first responders.

 

  • City Park Amenities are CLOSED. Parks crews were directed to close amenities within parks that prevent our ability to socially distance: playgrounds, dog parks, picnic shelters, basketball courts, tennis, outdoor fitness equipment, restrooms, the skatepark, and other areas until it is safe for us to use them again. Parks are still OPEN and you can still use walking paths, open spaces, and trails – with caution.
  • The Backyard Wildlife Festival on May 9, 2020 has been CANCELLED.
  • Tukwila Works, our tool to report and track non-emergency issues through the City’s website or via a smartphone app, has been suspended until further notice.
  • March meetings of the City’s Boards and Commissions have been cancelled.
  • Tukwila Police Department’s Community Police Academy, which was to begin on March 11 will be postponed.
  • Enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols have been implemented at all City facilities.
  • Staff that are able to telecommute are encouraged to do so in a manner that continues the City’s high level of customer service.
  • Medically compromised staff and those serving as caretakers for immunocompromised individuals are being reassigned from public-facing duties.
  • Individuals visiting City facilities that are presenting symptoms including coughing and shortness of breath are being asked to don masks; individuals with these symptoms and a fever are being asked to immediately contact their healthcare provider.

 

The following are useful phone numbers and emails for City Departments:

 

There are things that we can all do to help contain the virus:

  • Wash your hands often and well – hot water, soap and a duration of at least 20 seconds are the three critical steps
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or tissue
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
  • Avoid touching your face unless you have just washed your hands
  • Stay home if you are sick and encourage your colleagues to stay home as well

 

Here are other ways the City is responding to the virus:

  • Staff is actively engaged with the regional and state efforts to combat the virus
  • Working with local organizations and institutions – such as the school district and facilities where large groups congregate – to provide up-to-date information and messaging
  • Additional personal protective equipment protocols enacted for first responders
  • Providing information to the community pointing them to King County Public Health for more information
  • Ongoing communications with staff on the issue