03/31/2020
Governor's Guidance Bulletin - Proclamation 20-25
Governor Inslee provides updated interpretive guidance related to the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order.
03/30/2020
Governor Inslee Announces Online Reporting Option for Order Violations
At his press briefing, Governor Inslee announced an online form for reporting violations of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order by businesses within the State of Washington. A link to the list of essential businesses is included. This form is NOT intended for reporting violations by individuals or private groups. These types of violations should be reported to local law enforcement via non-emergency reporting lines (not 911).
Pullman non-emergency dispatch: (509) 332-2521
Report a Business Violation
Whitman County Emergency Management News Release
There are now eight positive COVID-19 cases reported in Whitman County.
03/28/2020
6th Positive COVID-19 Case in Whitman County
03/27/2020
Five Positive COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Whitman County
Chief Jenkins Issues
"Proclamation Violations" News Release
03/25/2020
Construction Guidance: "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Proclamation
In general, commercial and residential construction is not authorized under Governor Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Proclamation. However, there are exceptions under limited circumstances:
-Construction related to essential activities as described in the order.
-To further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing; or
-To prevent spoliation and avoid damage or unsafe conditions, and address emergency repairs at both non-essential businesses and residential structures.
Governor's Construction Guidance Memo
03/24/2020
Pullman PD Suspends In-Person Business Services
As a consequence of Governor Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" proclamation, and to safeguard the health of Pullman Police employees and the public, in-person business services at the Police Department are suspended. A variety of services can be conducted by mail,
email, or online.
03/23/2020
Governor Inslee Issues "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Order
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order will:
-Require every Washingtonian to stay home, unless pursuing an essential activity.
-Ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.
-Close all businesses, except essential businesses.
Governor's Stay Healthy, Stay Home Proclamation
WA Essential Workforce List
Second Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Whitman County
A female patient in her 70's is the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Whitman County. Public Health officials are working to identify those who have had contact with the patient.
City Playgrounds & Restrooms Closed (Trails & Green Spaces Remain Open)
For the safety of our community, the playground equipment and restrooms within the City of Pullman park system are closed due to COVID-19 concerns. The health of our community is extremely important to us and in order to keep everyone safe we deem this a necessary measure. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your support and compliance with these necessary safety measures. For questions or more information please call Pullman Parks, Facilities & Recreation at 509-338-3227, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.
03/22/2020
COVID-19 Positive Test in Whitman County
Whitman County Health Department received a positive test result for COVID-19 in a Whitman County resident. Patient is female between the age of 20 – 29. Patient has recovered and is self-isolating at home. Whitman County Health Department is working to identify anyone who may have an exposure risk because of contact with this person.
03/19/2020
Governor announced new restrictions on non-urgent medical and dental procedures.
Click here for story.
Click here to view Proclamation.
Pullman City Firefighter Released from Quarantine
The Pullman firefighter-medic, who was exposed to a patient suspected of possible COVID-19 infection yesterday, was released from quarantine today after the patient’s test returned negative for COVID-19. That firefighter-medic can now return to full duty protecting the citizens of Pullman.
Pullman City Firefighter Quarantined
During a patient transport to Pullman Regional Hospital yesterday morning, a Pullman firefighter-medic was exposed to a patient, later determined to be suspected of a possible COVID-19 infection. Out of an abundance of caution, the firefighter is under quarantine, pending test results from the original patient. City staff remain in regular contact with the Whitman County Department of Public Health for guidance.
03/16/2020
City of Pullman Changes Services due to COVID-19
The City of Pullman continues to monitor impacts and precautions surrounding COVID-19, including recommendations by the CDC and orders issued by Governor Jay Inslee. The health and safety of our Pullman community, and City of Pullman staff, is our top priority. In order to ensure the safest possible environment, the following measures are effective immediately:
- Persons who need to conduct business with any city of Pullman office should first call ahead to schedule an appointment, or handle business by phone or email whenever possible.
- The city of Pullman Finance and Administration Office is open to the public by appointment only. Utility billing payments may be made online, by mail, or via the utility payment drop box on Paradise Street, across from Paradise Creek Brewery. If these payment methods are not an option for you, please call to coordinate payment. At this time, the city of Pullman will not be performing residential or commercial utility shut-offs for accounts currently in default.
- Public Works and Planning Department business, including permitting, will be conducted by appointment only.
- All Recreation programs, including preschool, are suspended until April 27, 2020. The Pullman Aquatic and Fitness Center is closed until further notice.
- The Pullman Senior Center is closed, and all programming is canceled until further notice. Meal delivery service is available on Tuesdays and Fridays, through the Council on Aging. Those who wish to request meal service should call (509) 338-3307 by 11:00am.
- Neill Public Library is closed to the public. Books may be returned via the external drop box.
- Pullman Fire Department facilities are closed to the public. There will be no tours or guests permitted within station facilities.
- The Pullman Police Department lobby remains open. No citizen rides, tours, or visitors will be permitted into the station’s secure area. Unless business is urgent, citizens are asked to avoid visiting the lobby at this time. Fingerprint services (with the exception of Concealed Pistol Licensing) is suspended until further notice. Parking tickets may be paid online, by phone, or by mail.
- Until further notice, Pullman Transit will operate on a limited schedule. Please visit the Pullman Transit website for schedule and route updates.
- If planning to visit offsite locations, including Parks and Recreation, Pullman Transit or Maintenance and Operations, please call ahead.
Commission and board meetings will adhere with Governor Inslee’s directives for public meetings and gatherings.
We urge our Pullman community to continue to follow CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19, including handwashing and social distancing.
News Release 03/16/2020
Governor's Emergency Proclamation (Amendment to 20-05)
The following are key excerpts from the March 16, 2020 proclamation, which amended Governor Inslee's February 29, 2020 proclamation (20-05):
Prohibit the onsite consumption of food and/or beverages in a public venue
1. Restaurants;
2. Food courts;
3. Bars;
4. Taverns;
5. Coffee shops;
6. Catered events;
7. Clubs;
8. Bowling alleys;
9. All other similar venues in which people congregate for the consumption of food or beverages.
...“public venue” has its ordinary meaning and also includes, but is not limited to, social clubs, private clubs, tennis clubs, golf clubs, faith-based organizations/facilities, and other similar venues.
This Proclamation does not prohibit the sale of prepared food or beverages that are otherwise legally delivered or taken out of the venue for consumption or the purchasing of groceries that are not consumed within the premises, more commonly known as drive-through, take-out, and delivery services.
This Proclamation does not apply to a broad range of businesses and services, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, gas stations, pet stores, and libraries; however, any sit-down food or beverage services within these facilities are prohibited.
I hereby prohibit the operation of public venues in which people congregate for entertainment, social or recreational purposes, including but not limited to theaters, bowling alleys, gyms, fitness centers, non-tribal card rooms, barbershops and hair/nail salons, tattoo parlors, pool halls, and other similar venues, which prohibition shall remain in effect until midnight on March 31, 2020, unless extended beyond that date.
...for all other retail businesses except pharmacies and grocery stores, I hereby prohibit the operation of all retail stores unless they designate an employee or officer who must establish and implement social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Washington State Department of Health guidelines
Read the proclamation in its entirety:
Governor's Emergency Proclamation 03/16/2020
03/15/2020
Governor Jay Inslee to issue emergency proclamation tomorrow to:
- Temporarily shut down restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities
- Restaurants will be allowed to provide take-out and delivery services but no in-person dining will be permitted
- The ban will not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies. Other retail outlets will have reduced occupancy
- All gatherings with over 50 participants are prohibited
- All gatherings under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met
No school on Monday, March 16. Pullman Pubic Schools will be closed starting Monday, March 16 with plans to return to school on Monday, April 27.
Pullman Public Schools COVID-19 Information & Updates Webpage
No school on Monday, March 16. Pullman Pubic Schools will be closed starting Monday, March 16 with plans to return to school on Monday, April 27.
Pullman Public Schools COVID-19 Information & Updates Webpage
State waives costs for COVID-19 testing
03/13/2020
Governor Jay Inslee announced the expansion of the school closure order to all K-12 schools, both public and private, statewide. Inslee said schools must close by the end of Monday and will remain closed through at least April 24. The earliest possible date students could return to class would be April 27.
Inslee also expanded the ban on gatherings and events of more than 250 people to the entire state in an effort to try to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
WSU commits to distance learning throughout spring semester & cancels Mom's Weekend.
Whitman County Department of Public Health reports that there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Whitman County.
Public Health News Release
03/12/2020
Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson has declared a State of Emergency, effective today.
News Release
03/11/2020
Washington State University has announced that in-person classes will move to an online format following the upcoming spring break.
WSU News About Classes Move to Online Format
City Comments on WSU and COVID-19