Special Event Organizers, Industry, and Community:

The City of Seattle remains in close coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), and is following the guidance of these agencies, which are leading on the COVID-19 response. PHSKC issued new guidance on how to protect yourselves and your neighbors, colleagues, families and friends and help us limit the spread of COVID-19. While this is time of anxiety for many people, Public Health believes that Seattle can take steps now to slow the spread of this virus in our community.

This is a quickly evolving situation; please follow public health for the most up to date information.

The Special Events Office is accepting and processing Special Event Permit applications as normal, and no event cancellations have been mandated by Public Health. Currently Public Health is recommending postponing public events when possible. Also, Public Health recommends that residents who are at higher risk stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible and avoid public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. This includes concert venues, conventions, sporting events, and crowded social gatherings.

People who are considered high-risk include:  

• 60 years of age and over
• Underlying health conditions including include heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes 
• Weakened immune systems 
• Pregnant  

PHSKC will continue to evaluate the situation day-by-day and keep everyone up to date about any changes to these recommendations.

During this critical period in the outbreak, if it’s feasible to avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings.

If you can’t avoid bringing groups of people together:

• Urge anyone who is sick to not attend
• Encourage those who are at higher risk for COVID-19 to not attend
• Try to find ways to give people more physical space so that they aren’t in close contact as much as possible
• Encourage attendees to maintain good healthy habits, such as frequent hand washing
• Clean surfaces frequently. Standard cleaning products are effective against COVID-19

It’s important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus, especially to protect those who are more vulnerable. Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• If you are traveling overseas, check for the latest COVID-19 Travel Alerts and follow the CDC’s Travelers’ Health guidance: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

All City facilities, including libraries, Seattle Center, and Seattle Parks and Recreations (SPR) facilities, are currently open. If a program or facility is closed, we will notify patrons via web, social media and media.

For updated facility and scheduling information please check the following resources:

• Seattle Parks and Recreation website, Facebook, Twitter
• Seattle Center website, Facebook, Twitter
• The Seattle Public Library website, Facebook, Twitter

More recommendations about how to prevent the spread of illness in the home and in the community is available from PHSKC here.

As a best practice to prevent the spread of viruses during this cold and flu season, and in response to general concerns over Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the City is increasing custodial cleaning efforts at our facilities, including libraries, Seattle Center, community centers, and pools.

Coronavirus doesn’t recognize race, nationality nor ethnicity. Please help combat discrimination and stigma around coronavirus. Discrimination based on ethnicity or ancestry will make the situation worse. Having Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not make a person more vulnerable to this illness.

County and City events contacts

Your events point of contact with King County is Kate Becker, Creative Economy Strategist with King County Executive Office 206-669-4524, kate.becker@kingcounty.gov. Your events point of contact with City of Seattle is Chris Swenson, Special Events Committee Chair, 206-733-9245, chris.swenson@seattle.gov.

Please continue to monitor public health resources and City of Seattle announcements. You are welcome to contact the Special Events Office at any time if you have questions or concerns. We at the Special Events Office continue our mission to support and assist you with your event. We’re here to help.

Chris Swenson

Seattle Special Events Committee Chair