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COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated.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COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated.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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Unemployment Fraud
Share Unemployment Fraud on Facebook Share Unemployment Fraud on Twitter Share Unemployment Fraud on Linkedin Email Unemployment Fraud linkWashington has experienced a surge in unemployment fraud, affecting residents across the state including Mercer Islanders.
A surge in suspected fraudulent unemployment claims, estimated at around $1.6 million, hit as the state works to process legitimate claims for jobless benefits. The surge was so great, that the state paused unemployment payments for 2 days in mid-May while it investigated a wave of fraudulent claims.
If an unemployment claim is falsely made using your information – name and/or social security number - there are a number of recommended steps to take:
1. Contact the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD)
Go to https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/unemployment-benefits-fraud to fill out the online form. You will need to provide personal information to help the state identify you, including: full name, social security number, address, date of birth, and a brief description of how you found out an imposter-fraud claim was filed. This is important: If you receive any payments from the Employment Security Department, report those and return all payments.
2. File a Report with the Mercer Island Police Department
To file a police report, call our non-emergency line at 425-577-5656. You will receive an incident number. Make sure to save the incident number for steps 3 and 4. It’s good practice to keep a file folder or journal with the information from this incident.
3. Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax
Obtain your free annual credit report by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228. As a victim of identity theft, you also have the right to check your credit activity monthly. Make sure to report the fraudulent claim with the credit bureaus and provide the bureaus with the incident number from the police report you filed in step 2. Also, set up a fraud alert or have your credit frozen with each of the credit bureaus.
Experian.com/help
888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)TransUnion.com/credit-help
888-909-8872Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
800-685-1111Fraud Alert
A fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open new accounts using your name. When you have an alert on your report, a business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. The fraud alert is free and is set for one year but is renewable. To place a fraud alert, contact one of the three credit bureaus (that bureau must then tell the other two credit bureaus).
Freeze your credit
Also known as a security freeze, this free tool lets you restrict access to your credit report, which in turn makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Most creditors need to see your credit report before they approve a new account. If they can’t see your report, they may not extend the credit.
4. File a Report with the Federal Trade Commission
Based on the information you enter, an Identity Theft report and recovery plan will be created specifically for you. This identity theft report also proves to businesses that someone stole your identity. It also guarantees you certain rights. When you make your report, have your incident number from step 2 ready. Visit the FTC’s identity theft information pages to file a report or for more information at www.identitytheft.gov.
5. Contact the Post Office
Check with the post office to make sure mail has not been redirected to a different address without your permission.
Protecting Your Identity
New reports of identity theft and unemployment fraud are coming in daily. If you haven’t received word that your information has been compromised, there are steps you can take now, to protect your identity.
- Check your credit annually.
- Consider freezing your credit.
- Check your mail regularly. If you receive credit cards you have not applied for or notification of an unemployment benefits application, take action immediately.
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Easing of Restrictions on Religious Gatherings
Share Easing of Restrictions on Religious Gatherings on Facebook Share Easing of Restrictions on Religious Gatherings on Twitter Share Easing of Restrictions on Religious Gatherings on Linkedin Email Easing of Restrictions on Religious Gatherings linkGovernor Inslee announced the easing of restrictions on religious gatherings.
May 27, 2020: Governor Jay Inslee announced the state's plan for easing certain restrictions on in-person religious services for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Washington's Safe Start reopening plan.
Phase 1
- Outdoor religious services on an organization’s property can be held with up to 100 individuals
- Physical distancing and face coverings are required.
Phase 2
- Indoor religious services can be held at 25% capacity or with fewer than 50 individuals whichever is less.
- Includes holiday celebrations, weddings, funerals, etc.
- In-home services or counseling at a person’s residence with 5 total individuals or less.
For more information or to read the guidance, click here.
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Groveland Beach Park Temporarily Closes for Public Safety
Share Groveland Beach Park Temporarily Closes for Public Safety on Facebook Share Groveland Beach Park Temporarily Closes for Public Safety on Twitter Share Groveland Beach Park Temporarily Closes for Public Safety on Linkedin Email Groveland Beach Park Temporarily Closes for Public Safety linkOn July 30, the City of Mercer Island closed Groveland Beach Park to the public, including the parking lot and dock, until further notice.
This difficult decision is intended to minimize the frequent large gatherings that have been occurring at the park for several weeks.
Despite extensive City outreach efforts -- notices via City social media platforms, update at the 7/21 Council Meeting, park signage, and staff connecting with park patrons -- many patrons at Groveland Beach Park have not complied with social distancing requirements, the statewide mask mandate, or adhered to the group size limit, which is currently 5 people or fewer in King County.
Staff blocked the parking lot and placed fencing at the entrance to the park. Electronic message boards have been stationed on the street leading into Groveland Park to help reduce potential traffic congestion.
“We know how much people enjoy getting outdoors in the hot weather and need opportunities to safely recreate,” said City Manager Jessi Bon. “But after weeks of education, mask distribution, signage, and warnings about crowding at Groveland Beach Park, this was our only option remaining to protect public safety. The pandemic is still very much underway.”
Excessive park use was also leading to parking lot overflows into adjacent neighborhoods and dangerous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. The situation was requiring additional patrols by the Mercer Island Police Department, drawing officers away from other work.
Significant amounts of trash were also straining very limited parks maintenance staffing. We could use your help! Pack out your garbage and bring an extra garbage bag to help pick up any trash items someone else may have left behind.
Most park amenities elsewhere on Mercer Island remain open. The City asks all park patrons to comply with social distancing and mask rules, pack out picnic garbage, and consider exploring our lesser-known park locations. Details on what’s open can also be found at: www.mercerisland.gov/PlaySafe
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Approved for Phase 1.5, King County Moves Forward
Share Approved for Phase 1.5, King County Moves Forward on Facebook Share Approved for Phase 1.5, King County Moves Forward on Twitter Share Approved for Phase 1.5, King County Moves Forward on Linkedin Email Approved for Phase 1.5, King County Moves Forward linkThe state approved King County to move into a modified Phase 1, allowing limited opening of restaurants, retail, and other business and activities.
Effective immediately, King County has moved into a modified Phase 1 reopening. Phase 1.5 allows limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses, recreation, and personal activities in King County. Businesses will be required to follow specific state guidelines for their sector (click here for sector-specific guidance).
One such change is that businesses will need to reduce indoor operations to 30 minutes to help limit close interactions. Here's what - and how - things will reopen in modified Phase 1:
Restaurants Outdoor Dining - Allowed at 50% of capacity with all tables and chairs maintaining 6 feet of distance.
- Operate at 25% of capacity, provided such tables and chairs are more than 6 feet away from each other.
In-Store Retail - All non-essential retail activities may operate but an establishment's occupancy may not be not be higher than 15% of capacity.
- Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to less than 30 minutes, with face-to-face interactions limited to 30 minutes.
- Essential retail activities may continue to operate according to the existing state regulations.
Personal Services Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Manicurists, etc.- All activities may operate but the number of clients served will be limited to no more than 25% of capacity or one person if it is a single bed/chair studio.
Professional Services Accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, financial advisors, insurance agents, tax preparers, real estate, and other office-based occupations serving a client base- All activities allowed but an establishment's occupancy should not be higher than 25% of capacity.
- Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to be less than 30 minutes, with face to face interactions limited to 30 minutes.
Construction - All construction, including those activities for which social distancing may not be maintained and the start of new construction projects, is authorized to resume.
Fitness - Indoor fitness studios may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance but is limited to one on one activities only.
- All outdoor activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance, which limits the occupants to no more than five people outside of a household (excluding the instructor).
Outdoor recreation Social Gatherings - Only allowed outdoors with five or fewer people outside the household.
Have questions? King County has put together a FAQ for modified Phase 1 reopening.
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Parking Lots At Major Parks Closed Friday, April 10
Share Parking Lots At Major Parks Closed Friday, April 10 on Facebook Share Parking Lots At Major Parks Closed Friday, April 10 on Twitter Share Parking Lots At Major Parks Closed Friday, April 10 on Linkedin Email Parking Lots At Major Parks Closed Friday, April 10 linkParking lots at all major Mercer Island parks were closed on the evening of April 10 to assist in facilitating social distancing in conjunction with the Governor’s order to Stay Home - Stay Healthy. However, the City recognizes a need for parking access for those who hold a disabled parking placard, and seniors with limited mobility. The following adjustments have been made at the locations listed below to better accommodate the needs of our senior adult and disabled community:
Luther Burbank Park (South Lot) - Disabled Parking Available
- Disabled parking spaces will be available during regular park hours for patrons with government-issued handicap placards or license plates.
Mercerdale Park (Thrift Shop Lot) – Disabled and “Senior-Only” Parking Available
- Disabled parking spaces will be available during regular park hours for patrons with government-issued handicap placards or license plates.
- Senior adult only parking will be available to our senior population throughout the regular park hours. Note: A placard is not required
Mercerdale Park – New Senior Hours; Monday - Friday, 7:00am-10:00am
- For older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions who might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
- Please respect these hours to safely accommodate our senior adult park users.
Staff are evaluating parks activities daily and operations will be modified if problems arise.
Please call (206) 275-7626 with questions.
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Expired: Free Drive-Through Testing at Bellevue College
Share Expired: Free Drive-Through Testing at Bellevue College on Facebook Share Expired: Free Drive-Through Testing at Bellevue College on Twitter Share Expired: Free Drive-Through Testing at Bellevue College on Linkedin Email Expired: Free Drive-Through Testing at Bellevue College linkFree drive-through testing was available at Bellevue College. Registration was required, symptoms are not.
QFC and Fred Meyer partnered with Bellevue College to offer free drive-through testing for COVID-19 at Bellevue College. People who have recently attended a large gathering can qualify for testing even without exhibiting symptoms.
- Dates: the month of June
- Location: Bellevue College
For the testing, patients remain in their cars throughout the process, which is completed in just a few minutes using self-administered test kits. The test uses self-administered nasal swabs, which are less painful and designed to increase safety. This onsite testing is supported with laboratory services provided by eTrueNorth, a contractor of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Test results are expected within approximately 48 hours. The Bellevue testing site is estimated to have capacity for 250 vehicles per day.
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Phased Reopening Requirements - Updated
Share Phased Reopening Requirements - Updated on Facebook Share Phased Reopening Requirements - Updated on Twitter Share Phased Reopening Requirements - Updated on Linkedin Email Phased Reopening Requirements - Updated linkOn Friday, May 29, Governor Inslee announced that the Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order will expire as planned at midnight on May 31, 2020. Replacing the Stay Home Order, is an expanded Safe Start – Washington’s Phased Reopening.
The newly expanded Safe Start gives counties more flexibility in allowing additional approved activities. A county not yet eligible for Phase 2 may move into a "modified" Phase 1, allowing for some Phase 2 activities.
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced a proposed plan to re-open limited activity in the county, under the option to enter into a modified Phase 1. Pending state approval, King County is preparing to move forward to allow limited or modified opening for business sectors and activities including recreation and fitness, in-store retail, real estate, personal and professional services, and more.
The Governor also announced that the updated target for incidence of new COVID-19 cases reported during a two-week period is now less than 25 per 100,000 residents, where the prior goal was less 10 per 100,000 residents.
Earlier this week, King County released a key indicators data dashboard that provides a snapshot of useful indicators and metrics related to COVID-19 activity in the county. The dashboard provides data and trends for the numbers of reported cases; the growth, stabilization, or shrinking of the outbreak; testing capacity; healthcare system readiness; and more.
Beginning June 1, any county can apply to move to the next phase. The application process will involve meeting criteria established by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) around five key areas:
- Virus activity,
- Healthcare system readiness,
- Testing,
- Contact tracing, and
- Protecting vulnerable populations.
Also, beginning June 8, all workers will be required to wear face coverings and employers must post signage that strongly encourages customers to wear face coverings.
Follow this link for more information on the Safe Start - Washington's Phased Reopening by County. -
Governor Inslee Extends Stay Home Order to May 4
Share Governor Inslee Extends Stay Home Order to May 4 on Facebook Share Governor Inslee Extends Stay Home Order to May 4 on Twitter Share Governor Inslee Extends Stay Home Order to May 4 on Linkedin Email Governor Inslee Extends Stay Home Order to May 4 linkUPDATED
Apr 2, 2020 - The Governor has extended his "Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order" through May 4. See press release here.
Mar 23, 2020 - Governor Inslee announced further statewide measures designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak across Washington State.
Effective immediately, this new “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order legally requires all residents to curtail all social activity, and bans ALL gatherings of any size, public or private.Within 48 hours it also closes all businesses except those deemed essential. Essential businesses allowed to stay open (with appropriate protective measures) include emergency services, childcare, supermarkets, pharmacies, groceries, food pantries, pet supply, transportation, financial services, and local government.
The new ban also does not limit take-out meals, food delivery, and drive-thru food/beverage services - please continue to support your favorite local restaurants.
Exercise and other outdoor activities are considered critical for their physical and mental benefits; therefore pursuits such as walking, gardening, bicycle rides, are all permitted as long as 6 feet of social distancing is in place.
In the coming days, the Governor’s office will provide additional clarifying information that is expected to answer many of the most frequently asked questions generated by tonight’s announcement. Please check the City’s Coronavirus website for future updates.
The Governor’s new order builds on previous restrictions that already prohibited any gatherings of more than 50 people statewide and significantly restricted events of less than 50 people.
"With no treatment or vaccine, the single most important thing all of us must do is to stay home and avoid all non-essential contact with others, " according to Public Health – Seattle & King County
While staying home is challenging, we all can assume that we might be carrying the virus, and we could be spreading the infection any time we have close contact with someone. With that in mind, Public Health officials state that everyone should stay at home as much as they can (except for exercise needs) and limit shopping trips to only the most essential items. -
Congratulations MIHS Grads!
Share Congratulations MIHS Grads! on Facebook Share Congratulations MIHS Grads! on Twitter Share Congratulations MIHS Grads! on Linkedin Email Congratulations MIHS Grads! linkCongratulations graduates! You did it!
We know your senior year and graduation looked very different from what you imagined, but your accomplishment is no less significant. You should be proud, we certainly are!
From the entire staff at the City of Mercer Island, here's to a bright, bright future!
Well done!
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.
