March 26 COVID-19 Update from Arlington Mayor Barb Tolbert:

Many discussions and meetings are taking place to get us the information we need to navigate this time of disruption. I appreciate the sharing and communication of other Mayors and the County to help keep us all informed. There is an abundance of resources for information if you haven’t found where to locate information you need, let us know and we will assist any way we can.

Even in Arlington area we are seeing cases fo COVID-19 rise, currently 35 cases are reported by the Snohomish Health District.

Rumors that a special "pass" or "license" is needed to go anywhere such as an "essential job site" are not true. Please don’t call 911 to report this, we need to let them do their critical work, not respond to rumors. We’re asking you to help share this information to help put the rumor to rest.

As Mayor Jon Nehring noted, "The Governor reiterated in his press conference today the need to stay at home except for going out for necessary household items or essential work. It is allowed to go outside for a walk, bike ride or a drive but please remember to practice "physical distancing". Please comply with these practices so that we are doing our part to flatten the curve of this spread, keep people safe and hopefully shorten the need for these necessary measures."

Many mayors have received communications from residents who are genuinely worried about getting close to people. We should all make this distancing a priority.

We can also respect those who wish to exercise their right to be outside and understand the importance of such respites in getting through this time. Being outside for a walk, jog, bike ride or something similar is ok as long as, again, we are practicing physical distancing.

During this challenging time there are also people and organizations finding ways to help. The Arlington Community Food Bank who is working to ensure no one goes hungry, the School district who is distributing hundreds of meals to kids, the local businesses that have converted to making and are donating critical supplies for our first responders. These selfless acts are what make Arlington a wonderful community.

We here at the city of Arlington continue to work daily to provide all of the essential services of your local government both related to and unrelated to COVID-19. Please help share information with your friends and neighbors.