Online Resources
This website includes local case numbers, frequently asked questions, links to state resources, information about schools and childcare, information for human services and healthcare providers, business, financial and mental health resources, and much more.
The State's website includes information on the Governor's 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' order, what is opened and what is closed, a list of what is an essential business, and a form that can be used to report suspected violators of the governor's orders regarding essential business functions and social distancing, and much more.
The CDC has information on how to protect yourself and what to do if you get sick.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Last Updated April 6, 2020 at 3:15 PM
Schools Closed for the Remainder of the School Year for In-Person Learning (April 6, 2020)
Governor Jay Inslee held a press conference with Chris Reykdal, Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, announcing that all Washington State schools will remain closed to in-person learning for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.
Tacoma' First COVID-19 Related Death (April 5, 2020)
On April 5, we were notified by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department that Tacoma has confirmed a loss of life due to COVID-19. This is the first Coronavirus-related death in Tacoma. Read Mayor Woodards' statement on this loss.
Governor Extends Stay at Home Order Through May 4 (April 2, 2020)
During his press conference on April 2, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will be extending Washington's 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' Order through at least May 4, 2020. Read Mayor Woodards' statement on the extension.
Special Tacoma City Council Meeting on Coronavirus Updates (April 2, 2020)
The Tacoma City Council has established special weekly meetings to provide updates on the status and impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the City’s response to the emergency every Friday at 2 PM. These meetings are open to the public but to comply with Governor Inslee's Proclamation, this meeting will not be conducted in-person. You can listen in on the meeting by dialing 1-855-747-8824 and using the passcode: 8215373 or by listening on Facebook LIVE. Meeting agendas will be posted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
A Statement From Mayor Victoria Woodards on Governor Jay Inslee’s March 30 Press Briefing (March 30, 2020)
"I want to support Tacoma Police Chief Don Ramsdell by reiterating his request: Please do not call 911 to report violations of the Governor’s order, social distancing violations, or people being outside. We must continue to reserve 911 for people who need immediate emergency assistance. To learn how to best report crime and other issues, visit cityoftacoma.org/reportcrime or you can visit the State of Washington’s website – coronavirus.wa.gov – to report a violation. The Tacoma Police Department believes our community understands the severity of the situation. They recognize that people need to get groceries, pick up medicines, visit the doctor, or engage in other essential activities. When officers encounter someone who is not complying with the order, they know that they have an important role to play in reminding them of the restrictions in place, but they will not be actively seeking out individuals failing to comply with the order and they have no desire to make arrests for violations."
Read Mayor Woodards' Full Statement
City of Tacoma Offers COVID-19 Stabilization Loans to Tacoma’s Small Businesses (March 27, 2020)
In an effort to mitigate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 on Tacoma's small businesses, the Community and Economic Development Department has established a COVID-19 Stabilization Loan Program.
This loan program is available to small businesses with 10 or fewer employees who have a physical location in Tacoma and have been in business in Tacoma for one year. Qualified businesses can borrow up to $15,000 at 75% of the current prime rate with a five-year amortization and no repayment for the first year. Loan funds are to be used for working capital. Businesses must be able to document a significant loss of revenue/sales due to COVID-19.
Read the COVID-19 Stabilization Loan Program Announcement
Governor Jay Inslee Announces 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' Order (March 23, 2020)
The Governor’s statewide order requires everyone in Washington to stay home. The order will last for two weeks and could be extended.
This proclamation:
- Requires every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
- Bans all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes. These include gatherings such as weddings and funerals.
- Closes all businesses except essential businesses.
The proclamation states it’s still safe for people to go outside as long as they remain at least six feet from each other. Grocery stores, doctor’s offices and other essential businesses will remain open. People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as they follow social distancing rules.
'Stay Home, Stay Safe' Order and Participating in Tacoma City Council Meetings (March 24, 2020)
Pursuant to Gov. Inslee's executive order, community members will be required to maintain a minimum social distance of six feet at all times and may be required to enter the Tacoma Municipal Building and/or the Council Chambers one person at a time if they choose to attend a Council Meeting in person.
Consistent with the CDC's recommendation, and pursuant to the City's recent state of emergency proclamation, Council has set the maximum occupancy of Council Chambers, not including Council and staff, at 10. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the CDC also recommend that individuals over the age of 60 as well as individuals with underlying medical conditions – like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes – stay home as much as possible and avoid crowds.
Community members are strongly encouraged to participate at Council meetings in written form. This guidance extends to Public Comment for items on the agenda and Community Forum for items limited to matters over which the Council has jurisdiction. Written comments may be submitted to cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org every Tuesday before 4 PM prior to that evening's Council meeting, and comments will be compiled and sent to Council.
Council meetings are televised on TV Tacoma, which is carried on both the Click! and Comcast Cable systems. Council meetings can also be streamed on tvtacoma.com.
Press Conference on How Washington is Assisting Workers and Businesses (March 18, 2020)
Watch this press conference with Governor Jay Inslee, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan as they provide an update on how Washington is assisting workers and businesses dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19). Video courtesy of Governor Inslee's Facebook page.
For Tacoma Business resources related to COVID-19, visit our website www.MakeItTacoma.com.
City of Tacoma Facilities Closing to the Public (March 17, 2020)
As of March 18, City facilities are temporarily closed to the public until further notice. The City offers telephone and email support as well as online resources.
Read the Announcement on the City Closure
Governor Inslee Announces Statewide Shutdown of Restaurants, Bars and Expanded Social Gathering Limits
On March 16, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee announced an emergency proclamation that mandates the immediate two-week closure of all restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities, as well as additional limits on large gatherings. The new orders went into effect at midnight, March 17, and will be in place through March 31, 2020.
Governor Inslee Announces School Closures for All K-12 Schools in Washington
Gov. Jay Inslee announced that all public and private K-12 schools will be required to close for six weeks. Public health officials hope the science-driven decision can help minimize COVID-19 exposure in Washington's schools.
Schools will close from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 24.
Restrictions Imposed on Gatherings with 250+ People
Wednesday, March 11, Governor Jay Inslee imposed restrictions on large gatherings in Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties through March 31 to limit spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please cancel gatherings of 250 or more people for social, spiritual and recreational activities including, but not limited to:
| Community |
Sporting events |
| Civic |
Parades |
| Public |
Concerts |
| Leisure |
Festivals |
| Faith-based |
Conventions |
| Fundraisers |
Similar activities |
If you need planning support or resources, call 1 (855) 722-5378.
Coronavirus Fliers Available for Download in Multiple Languages
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has created fliers explaining what the Coronavirus is, how it spreads and how to plan ahead. Download any of these fliers and share with your friends, family, co-workers or neighbors.
Fliers
Englis​h
Chin​ese
Korean
Russian
Spanish
Tagalog
Vietnamese
Guidance from the CDC
Currently that guidance, which is available at cdc.gov, includes:
General Prevention
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Empty trash prior to overfilling.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant spray or wipe.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Prevent the Spread if You are Sick
- Stay home except to get medical care.
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home as much as possible.
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid sharing personal household items.
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.
- Monitor your symptoms.
Additional Suggestions
- Make a plan for school, daycare and adult care closures.
- Establish a kit that can last up to 14 days with food, water/fluids, cold, and flu relief products, prescription medications and pet food in case you need to stay home.
- Create an environment of educating staff and not creating hysteria.
- Familiarize yourself with Human Resources policies and discuss with your management.
- Practice Social Distancing strategies, such as working from home and limiting in-person meetings by utilizing go-to meeting/conference calls, etc.
The City is continuing to coordinate with regional and state emergency management to assess the situation and receive guidance from the County Health Department who has authority in this situation. At this time, the City is operating under normal operating conditions and focusing on employee education about prevention, as well as urging residents to visit the cdc.gov for accurate information.
Free e-Visits and Virtual Health Consultations at Local Healthcare Organizations
MultiCare
As a public health service and to help avoid further community spread of COVID-19, MultiCare is offering FREE e-Visits to anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), with or without travel to China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea, or anyone exposed to someone who has traveled to these areas.”
Get more information and access these services by visiting the MultiCare website.
CHI Franciscan
"To provide increased access to care, CHI Franciscan is offering free 24/7 virtual health consultations with a certified healthcare provider to all individuals who may be experiencing upper respiratory symptoms suggestive of a COVID-19 infection. Franciscan Virtual Urgent Care is open to all our communities in an effort to reduce in-person visits to urgent care centers and emergency departments.” – Ketul J. Patel, Chief Executive Officer, CHI Franciscan
How to access Franciscan 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care:
When prompted for payment, use coupon code COVID19 to waive the $35 virtual video consultation fee and to connect with a board-certified healthcare provider.
- Eligibility for a free visit for COVID-19 is limited to one per individual across all platforms.
- In accordance with public health guidelines, we are asking patients to avoid going to the emergency room or urgent care unless symptoms are severe (such as a high fever or shortness of breath). If you are concerned about symptoms, we ask that you utilize the virtual care option, or call your regular provider before visiting a facility.
City of Tacoma Employee Communication
If normal operating conditions change, the City of Tacoma will notify our employees via email, phone trees, the employee hotline, our intranet sites GNET/UNET and the City websites.
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