Virus cases rise sharply in county; Gig Harbor total now 77, Key Peninsula has 11
Gig harbor cases reach 77
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Gig Harbor reached 77 on Monday, with nine more cases added since last week. Three more cases were reported on the Key Peninsula, bringing the total there to 11. There have been no additional deaths.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has begun breaking down cases by census tracts, giving a range for each. The current map shows North Gig Harbor with 15 to 19 cases, Gig Harbor proper with 10 to 14 cases, the Artondale area with 5 to 9 and Fox Island with 5 to 9. The south end of the Key Peninsula, including McNeil and Anderson islands, shows 5 to 9 cases, the north end 1 to 4.
Overall, cases climbed in Pierce County over the long 4th of July weekend, with 50 to 60 cases added each day, bringing the total to 2,863 with 90 deaths.
Civic Center closed to July 27
The Gig Harbor Civic Center remains closed until July 27th to outside public and private agencies and groups.
The city will assess the closure and make a decision on whether to extend it by Thursday, July 23rd. City staff will still be available via phone and email. The main phone number to City Hall is: (253) 851-8136.
All payments must take place over the phone 253-530-7030, submitted via drop box, or made online. Visit: https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/334/Pay-Utilities-Online to access online payment options. Billing questions and inquiries like starting or stopping service must be completed via phone 253-851-6157 or email.
Defusing mask anger
Some retail customers object to wearing masks, as are required by emergency proclamation from the governor. When they do, some conversations can get nasty.
The National Retail Federation has published “How to de-escalate tense situations: Tips for retailers.” It’s available online at https://nrf.com/blog/how-de-escalate-tense-situations-tips-retailers
Road to Sunrise opens
The road to Sunrise, the popular destination on Mt. Rainier, is open for the season, according to the National Park Service, although some coronavirus cautions are still necessary.
Be prepared for winter hiking conditions as there are currently over 5 feet of snow on the trails at higher elevation areas like Sunrise and Paradise. For snow-free trails look to Longmire, Ohanapecosh, and the Carbon River areas.
While some park facilities remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, all restrooms are open, and the National Park Inn at Longmire offers a gift shop, takeout food service, and lodging. There are no food service options at Paradise; prepare to pack in food and properly dispose of all trash.
Visitors are encouraged to bring face coverings and hand sanitizer, and to maintain a distance of six feet from other groups.
This story was originally published July 8, 2020 at 12:00 AM.