Puyallup declares coronavirus emergency
Following the state and county, Puyallup declared a state of emergency on March 11 in light of reported fatalities across the state related to the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
“This was done to more quickly and easily mobilize staff and supplies needed to respond to the existence of COVID-19,” a city statement said.
Mayor Julie Door signed the declaration of a state of emergency that will allow Puyallup to activate funds to deploy additional employees, access vital supplies and equipment.
The city asks residents do not be alarmed by this declaration. An estimated 12 percent of Puyallup’s residents are 65 or older, one of the populations most at risk for contracting the virus.
“We are doing all we can to mitigate the negative impacts to the Puyallup community,” city manager Steve Kirkelie said.
The City of Sumner has also announced a state of emergency and closed the Sumner Senior Center. The city asks residents to be prepared and cautious, but not panicked.
“This is an administrative tool that gives us flexibility in our normal processes and finances in order to best respond to this ever-changing situation,” Mayor Bill Pugh said in an e-newsletter. “I want to stress that it does NOT mean we’re in a dire emergency situation in Sumner. “
The Washington State Fair cancelled all events for this month, including the Paddy O’Party.
Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier signed a state of emergency on Friday alongside Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Dr. Anthony Chen.
This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 3:00 PM.
