COVID-19 Update from Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber (as of March 12, 2020)
Date: Mar 12, 2020
The health and safety of Port of Everett employees, tenants, customers, site visitors, and the greater community remain a top priority. The Port is committed to keeping its stakeholders informed and engaged as we continue to navigate these unprecedented waters and continue in our effort to closely monitor and effectively respond to COVID-19.Continuity of Business Operations
As of March 12, 2020, all Port of Everett business operations – international seaport, public marina, and properties – have been able to maintain regular service levels with no change in hours of operation and no facility closures. With that being said, we recognize future adjustments are likely as COVID-19 continues to evolve in our community.
As an essential function of our local, regional and national economy, the Port is committed to keeping freight moving as efficiently as possible, while keeping the health and safety of our teams and community a top priority. To date, we have not seen any adverse impact to shipping activity. The Port has implemented its Infectious and Communicable Disease Preparedness Policy and Response Plan to support continuity of operations during this time. We stand ready to adapt as necessary with the goal of maintaining as much service to our stakeholders as possible.
If we experience any change in operations, the Port will directly notify its employees, tenants, slipholders and shipping customers, and also, provide notice to the public via the Port’s website (www.portofeverett.com) and the Port’s primary social media channels (Facebook & Twitter).
In the event we become aware of potential or confirmed exposure of COVID-19 at the Port, we will follow any guidance by public health officials, notify individuals as necessary and take appropriate actions to isolate and clean any affected areas.
Large Social Gatherings & Events
As you may have heard by now, Governor Inslee has ordered a ban on large scale events and social gatherings (250+ attendees) in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties now through the end of March. It has been indicated that this order could likely remain in effect into April. Snohomish and King Counties have also issued orders with further guidance for social gatherings and events under 250 attendees.
In response to the orders, the Snohomish Running Company who manages the annual Everett Half Marathon that was scheduled to take place on March 29, 2020 at the Port of Everett waterfront has been postponed. The Port is working closely with the event organizers to reschedule the event to a future date.
For the time being, the Port has placed a hold on approval of any new Special Use Permits for special events on Port property. We will work with current permit holders to identify any event changes they may be implementing as a result of the orders in effect (i.e. cancelling, rescheduling, modifying event plans).
Waterfront Businesses
Businesses located at the Port are open and continue to follow the requirements, recommendations and guidance of State, County, City and public health officials. As such, businesses may be adjusting their schedule and operations as applicable to their business. The Port recommends visiting a business website or contacting them direct to confirm individual business schedules. Support of our local businesses is critical, especially during challenging times like this. If you are visiting the Port of Everett and/or any business on Port property, we ask that you please do so responsibly by following the recommendations and guidance in place by public health officials.
To Date & On-going Port Actions
- Activation of a cross-departmental Port working group with representatives from Port security, seaport, marina, properties, engineering and planning, executive offices, human resources and finance divisions; the group continues to meet weekly (or more as needed) to support the Port’s COVID-19 response and continuity of Port operations
- Implementation of the Port’s Infectious and Communicable Disease Preparedness Policy and Response Plan
- Support of flexible work options for Port employees (i.e. working remote, staggered schedules, etc.)
- Implementation of social distancing for internal and external encounters
- Increased cleaning and disinfecting of Port facilities
- Distribution of additional public health related supplies, as available, to Port staff, including hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, etc.
- Posting of public health fliers with recommendations in common areas
- Distribution of additional hand sanitizers in common use areas and meeting spaces
It is important that we stay calm, while remaining informed and aware in an overall effort to protect ourselves, our families and our community. We will get through this together as a community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Snohomish Health District have great resources and information available on their websites (see links below).
For more information, or if you have questions related to Port of Everett operations, contact Catherine Soper, Public Affairs Manager, at 425-388-0680 or by e-mail at catherines@portofeverett.com.