Pandemic recovery news in brief: Uptick in cases, Maritime Festival postponed
Uptick in cases on Peninsula
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection have increased slightly in the Gig Harbor and Key peninsulas since Pierce County entered Phase II of the recovery program, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The case count has risen to 69, but there have been no new deaths.
As of Sunday, June 21, there were 60 known cases and one death in the Gig Harbor area and nine cases and one death on the Key Peninsula.
There were 2,285 confirmed cases in Pierce County, resulting in 84 deaths since the pandemic began in March.
Maritime Festival postponed
The Gig Harbor Maritime Festival, which usually takes place in June, has been postponed until August, the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce has announced. The tentative date for the rescheduled festival is the weekend of August 22-23.
The parade is Gig Harbor’s biggest summer event, attracting between 6,000 and 8,000 people for events that include a car show, the annual blessing of the fishing fleet, a 5-kilometer run and a Grand Parade that regularly attracts up to 100 floats, antique cars, marching bands and other participants.
Last day to apply for city grant
The deadline to apply for the City of Gig Harbor’s Small Business Stabilization grants is 5 p.m. Thursday, June 25.
The city will distribute $308,000 in federal CARES Act stimulus funds to as many as 205 businesses who have 10 employees or fewer and can show they have suffered financial loss during the coronavirus emergency. Businesses must have a Gig Harbor business license and be physically located in the city.
Qualifying businesses will receive a $1,500 grant.
More information is at: https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/722/Gig-Harbor-Small-Business-Stabilization-
No applications for sidewalk sales
There have been no applications from Gig Harbor business for sidewalk sales since the City Council suspended fees for encroachment permits, the city clerk, Molly Towslee, said last week.
The ordinance temporarily suspends certain special-use regulations and eliminates Encroachment Permit fees. This action allows or “sidewalk sales,” and other outdoor sales on private property and within the public right-of-way.
The intention is to give merchants a way to do business while still meeting the state’s distancing rules for Phase II of the pandemic recovering program, which limit the number of patrons who can be in a store at the same time.
Pierce County parks re-open cautiously
Pierce County parks are continuing a slow re-opening, following the Safe Start recommendations for Phase II.
Playgrounds will reopen with posted guidelines of no more than five children on each structure and supervised parental support to keep six feet apart. Users are asked to bring sanitation supplies to comply with safe use guidelines.
Additional park restrooms will be open, however continuous access is not guaranteed. Portable units may still be used at some locations. The Pierce County Parks website will be updated regularly with new offerings and specific services at each location. The site is http://www.piercecountywa.gov/parks
Sports complexes, such as the Sprinker and Heritage recreation centers, may accommodate practices in preparation for game and tournament play which will begin in Phase III. Teams must register for use and follow Sporting Activities Guidance from the state.
This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 12:31 PM.