COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated.
See the CDC's COVID website for current information and trends.
COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated.
See the CDC's COVID website for current information and trends.
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COMMUNITY Resources
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This community has a longstanding and extensive emergency preparedness network composed of many hundreds of trained volunteers with relationships across all neighborhoods.While the City does not have the capacity to check in on all vulnerable populations, we encourage "neighbor to neighbor" support during this time. For example, if you are aware of an elderly resident concerned about leaving their home, you may be able to help by delivering meals or groceries - remember to follow Public Health guidelines for social distancing to prevent an unintentional exposure.The City’s Youth and Family Services Department provides case management and mental health services to Island seniors and these will continue during the outbreak.
For more information, documents, and helpful links visit our COMMUNITY resources page. -
King County Data Dashboard
Share King County Data Dashboard on Facebook Share King County Data Dashboard on Twitter Share King County Data Dashboard on Linkedin Email King County Data Dashboard linkUpdated October 1 - King County Public Health maintains several data dashboards that provide regular updates about COVID-19 cases and deaths, key trends and indicators of COVID-19 activity, long-term care information, and more.
Total cases, deaths, and demographics for the County. Zoom in on each city to get the latest local data. Updated daily between 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. To access Mercer Island specific data, click on the City-level tab in the menu at the top of the charts. Once the City tab is open, select Mercer Island from the drop-down menu on the left-hand side of the page (see image to the right).
Key Indicators of COVID-19 Activity Dashboard
Key indicators and trends that track COVID-19 activity like outbreak growth, rate of hospitalization, and testing capacity. These indicators, along with other data, are key considerations for reviewing current restrictions on activity, recommendations, and precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Updated weekly on Tuesdays.
Long-Term Care Facility Dashboard
The data provided in the dashboard describes the impacts of COVID-19 on the residents and staff of long-term care facilities licensed by the State, including nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. Updated weekly on Thursdays.
Economic, Social, and Overall Health Impacts Dashboard
Shows changes in key economic, social, and other health indicators resulting from strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19. Updated weekly.
Syndromic Surveillance Dashboard
Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for COVID-like illness and pneumonia at King County healthcare facilities. Updated weekly on Wednesdays.
Shows the impacts of COVID-19 on communities of color compared to whites in King County, WA. Updated weekly on Mondays.
Have you ever wondered why the data changes? You've noticed the numbers are lower than the previous day? King County Public Health has answered seven of the most asked questions about their data dashboards. Check it out and see if they've answered your questions!
Washington State COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Looking for the latest information on state-wide case counts, epidemiologic curves, testing, hospitalizations or other information? The state has created a data dashboard complete with this information and more. Data is updated daily. Click here to visit the data dashboard.
On March 25, Public Health—Seattle & King County launched a data dashboard that provides daily updates to COVID-19 cases and deaths. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/covid/data to see the dashboard.
The dashboard provides data on how many people have tested positive in each city, age ranges of those who test positive or who have died, and more.
King County will update the dashboard daily (between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.), pending the receipt of data from key sources, including the Washington State Department of Health. The dashboard includes a timestamp of the most recent updates.
Due to delays in reporting data from various laboratories, case totals are commonly reported two or three days later. While a graph showing the trend of COVID-19 cases may appear to be flat or declining, King County notes that we must assume that this does not actually represent a decline.
Hover over key data points to reveal important information. A mobile version is also available.
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Walk Safely – Tips for Pedestrians, Bikers, and Drivers
Share Walk Safely – Tips for Pedestrians, Bikers, and Drivers on Facebook Share Walk Safely – Tips for Pedestrians, Bikers, and Drivers on Twitter Share Walk Safely – Tips for Pedestrians, Bikers, and Drivers on Linkedin Email Walk Safely – Tips for Pedestrians, Bikers, and Drivers linkThe pandemic got a lot of us outside, let's make sure we're all safe as the days grow shorter.
With the closure of gyms, malls, and just about everything else in the county, many of us took up walking for exercise or just to pass the time. As we head into the darker, winter months, it is more important than ever to be seen and stay safe while out on the road.
Here are a few safety tips as you continue to rack up those miles:
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- No crosswalk or intersection? Locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials and/or use a flashlight at night.
- Take special care crossing driveways.
Drivers, don’t think we’ve forgotten about you. Here are some helpful things to do as you get behind the wheel:
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
- Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Have you taken up biking? We have tips for you too!
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FAQs About Face Coverings and Enforcement in Businesses
Share FAQs About Face Coverings and Enforcement in Businesses on Facebook Share FAQs About Face Coverings and Enforcement in Businesses on Twitter Share FAQs About Face Coverings and Enforcement in Businesses on Linkedin Email FAQs About Face Coverings and Enforcement in Businesses linkThe Governor's Order is in effect, requiring businesses not to serve unmasked patrons (with limited exemptions). Learn more about face coverings in general from this King County FAQ, and about enforcement in businesses from the State's FAQ.
If you think a business is not complying with Safe Start guidance, submit an anonymous report. Background: Guidelines for enforcement for the Governor's order.
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King County Moves to Phase 2 Beginning February 1
Share King County Moves to Phase 2 Beginning February 1 on Facebook Share King County Moves to Phase 2 Beginning February 1 on Twitter Share King County Moves to Phase 2 Beginning February 1 on Linkedin Email King County Moves to Phase 2 Beginning February 1 linkRoadmap to Recovery update; Two regions to move into Phase 2
On Thursday, January 28, the DOH announced that based on Governor Jay Inslee’s updated Roadmap to Recovery phased reopening plan, the Puget Sound and West regions will move into Phase 2 beginning Monday, February 1.
In Phase 2, restrictions on most activities are relaxed, slightly. Restaurants (and bars with food) can have indoor dining at 25% capacity, and gyms/fitness also can operate at 25% capacity (appointments not necessarily required). See the image below for more details.
As Governor Inslee just announced, regions now need to meet any three of the four metrics outlined in the Roadmap to Recovery plan in order to move into Phase 2. The four metrics have not changed and include:
- Trend in 14-day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100k population
- Trend in 14-day rate of new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100k population
- Average 7-day percent occupancy of ICU staffed beds
- 7-day percent positive of COVID-19 tests
In addition, DOH will calculate regions’ metric to determine phase status every two weeks from now on.
DOH is releasing region status today to coincide with the Governor’s announcements. Going forward, DOH will reassess the metrics for all eight (8) regions every two weeks and announce any phase adjustments on Fridays. The next announcement will be Friday, February 12, 2021.
The following regions will remain in in Phase 1:
- East
- South Central
- North Central
- Northwest
- Southwest
- North
Phase changes will go into effect on Monday, February 1, 2021 and remain in effect until Monday, February 15, 2021.
For more information visit the Roadmap to Recovery dashboard.
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News for the Week of January 25
Share News for the Week of January 25 on Facebook Share News for the Week of January 25 on Twitter Share News for the Week of January 25 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of January 25 linkNews highlights for the week of January 25.
Latest Numbers. DOH reported a total of 293,978 confirmed cases as of January 27. There have been 4,243 COVID-19 deaths in WA. In Mercer Island, there have been 435 positive cases reported as of January 28. For that latest city and county data, click here.
Headlines
King County Moves to Phase 2 Beginning Feb. 1. On Thursday, January 28, the DOH announced that based on Governor Jay Inslee’s updated phased reopening plan, the Puget Sound region will move into Phase 2 beginning Monday, February 1. In Phase 2, restrictions on most activities are relaxed, slightly. Restaurants (and bars with food) can have indoor dining at 25% capacity, and gyms/fitness also can operate at 25% capacity (appointments not necessarily required). Click here for more Phase 2 details.
New "Roadmap to Recovery" dashboard. The State DOH, in partnership with Microsoft AI for Health, has launched the new Roadmap to Recovery dashboard that provides a detailed overview of the metrics used for measuring regional progress in the Governor’s “Roadmap to Recovery” phased reopening plan. The dashboard provides a state-wide view as well as regional data. Click this link to view the dashboard.
New COVID-19 Testing Requirements for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States. If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the United States. You will need to show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight, or be prepared to show documentation of recovery. This can be proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel. Click here for more.
Public-private vaccination effort. On Tuesday, the DOH announced the appointment of Mr. Dan Laster as Director of the COVID-19 Vaccine Action Command and Coordination System (VACCS) Center to create public-private partnerships. Microsoft, Starbucks, Kaiser Permanente, SeaMar, and SEIU 1199 agreed to partner with the state to support the vaccine distribution efforts. Full press release here.
FDA: “Beware of alcohol-based sanitizers from Mexico.” The U.S. FDA has issued an alert on alcohol-based sanitizers from Mexico: many have been found to contain a toxic substance known as methanol (wood alcohol). Check your hand sanitizer. Stop using it immediately if it's on this list: http://bit.ly/sanitizeralert
Video Update from the City Manager. At the February 2 City Council meeting, City Manager Jessi Bon will provide an update to the Council and community. Tune in at 5:00pm on the Council’s YouTube Channel to watch the update or view it on MI-TV Channel 21.
Situation Reports. The City has moved to monthly Situation Reports (SitReps), available the first Friday of the month. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of February 5. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.
Information for Businesses
Free safety supplies for restaurants and bars in King County. The Safe Start for Taverns and Restaurants (SSTAR) program continues its mobile outreach to provide free supplies for food establishments including facemasks, gloves, thermometer, hand sanitizer, disinfecting solutions, posters and educational materials. Upcoming giveaway events include:
- Feb 3: South Seattle: Public Health Warehouse (7272 W Marginal Way S, Seattle)
10am -12pm
- Feb 4: Tukwila/ Renton: Walgreens parking lot (4105 NE 4th St, Renton)
10am -12pm
- Feb 9: Bothell/ Kirkland: Walgreens parking lot (11607 98th Ave NE, Kirkland)
10am -12pm
- Feb 10: South Seattle: Public Health Warehouse (7272 W Marginal Way S, Seattle)
10am -12pm
Farmers Market COVID-19 Plan Requirements updated. The plan for Farmers Market Coordinators, includes information on on how the market will control for health screening, social distancing and sanitation. Click here for more info.
Paycheck Protection Program resumed. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SB), in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw PPP Loans the week of Jan. 11. SBA began accepting applications for Second Draw PPP Loans on Jan. 13. You can find more information regarding application requirements and technical guidance on the Washington State Department of Commerce’s website and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 business relief page.
Vaccine News
Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. Messenger RNA vaccines—also called mRNA vaccines—are some of the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for cells to make a harmless piece of the so-called "spike protein”, which the virus uses to enter cells in the body. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them. The immune system recognizes that the protein doesn’t belong there and begins making antibodies to protect against future infection. People who get vaccinated gain this protection without having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Click here for more.
King County COVID-19 Vaccine Data At-a-Glance. Page updated daily here.
Washington COVID-19 vaccine distribution hits 500,000 total doses administered. Gov. Jay Inslee today announced progress toward the state’s goal of administering 45,000 vaccine doses a day. As of Monday, the state’s current seven-day rolling average was 23,960 doses administered. The governor also announced a record number of COVID-19 vaccines administered in a 24-hour period, with around 40,000 doses reported as of Monday. Washington also officially passed 500,000 vaccine doses administered and reported. Click here to continue reading.
Four mass vaccination sites open statewide this week. The DOH, with assistance from the Washington National Guard and local and private sector partners, is launching four mass vaccination sites throughout the state this week in Kennewick, Ridgefield, Spokane and Wenatchee. Click here for information on mass vaccination sites.
Statement on crossing state lines for vaccine. Given the limited supply of vaccine that is available at this time and our state’s commitment to equitable and fair access to vaccine, the state is requiring that those seeking COVID-19 vaccines in its four mass vaccination sites must either live or work in Washington state. People who register for vaccines at these four sites may be asked to provide one of the following: driver's license or work/school ID; letter with your address, utility bill; statement/letter with a Washington state address; or voucher from an employer, faith-based institution, health care provider, school, or other registered organization or agency, etc. that the person lives or works in Washington state. The vaccine site will not make a copy or record this information in any way. This is only to show that the person currently resides or works in Washington state. Click here for more.
- Feb 3: South Seattle: Public Health Warehouse (7272 W Marginal Way S, Seattle)
City Facilities and Programs
Open City Facilities
Closed City Facilities
- City Hall
- Luther Burbank Admin Building
- Fire Stations
Events and Programs
- Drop-in Sports at MICEC
- Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
- Summer Camps
- Summer Celebration!
- National Night Out
- Visit the City's event calendar for more events!
Public Meetings
The City Council is meeting in a hybrid format (in-person and virtually). Visit the Council Connects page to learn how to participate. Boards and Commissions continue to meet virtually.
