For immediate release

March 4, 2020

CONTACT:

Heather Thomas, 425.339.8688, hthomas@snohd.org

Kent Patton, 425.388.3883, kent.patton@snoco.org

Kimberley Cline, 425.257.8687, kcline@everettwa.gov

Snohomish County United in Response to COVID-19

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Out of an abundance of caution over the spread of COVID-19, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and City of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin are declaring a State of Emergency for Snohomish County and the City of Everett, in coordination with Snohomish County’s Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters, who has simultaneously declared a Public Health Emergency for the County.

Executive Somers, Dr. Spitters and Mayor Franklin will be available to answer media questions at a joint press conference at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, March 5) in the Public Meeting Rooms on the Snohomish County Campus.

“We know people are concerned, and this declaration will help us work together to keep people safe,” Executive Somers said. “These declarations formalize the work we’ve been doing together since the first COVID-19 coronavirus case was confirmed on January 21, 2020. Collaboration with all of our partners is what makes Snohomish County resilient. The public can be assured we are responding as quickly and decisively as possible.”

“These proclamations make it easier for us to continue to work with our partners as we use the best available medical strategies to keep our community safe and healthy,” said Dr. Spitters. “It also provides the flexibility needed to respond to this rapidly evolving issue.”

“The Board of Health will be convening to consider a resolution that formally authorizes the Snohomish Health District to use emergency reserves in this response,” said Stephanie Wright, chair for the Board of Health and Snohomish County councilmember. “We stand ready to support the staff and our partners in the efforts critically needed in the coming days and weeks.”

“We are working in collaboration with the County to ensure our residents are up-to-date on the situation,” said Mayor Franklin. “These are precautionary steps to ensure we have maximum flexibility as a community to respond. We ask our residents to take necessary steps to ensure their and their family’s health and safety.”

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