05/22/2020 - City Council to Consider a Resolution in Support of a Phase-2 COVID-19 VariancePORT ORCHARD CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER A RESOLUTION INSUPPORT OF APHASE-2 COVID-19 VARIANCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mayor’s Office
MAY 22, 2020
(360) 876-4407
PORT ORCHARD, WA –Governor Inslee on May 19 announced that Kitsap County could apply for an early variance allowing local communities to move toward Phase-2 of the governor’s four-phase
Covid-19 recovery plan. The variance would allow many businesses and services to reopen with restrictions.
The Kitsap Public Health Board is scheduled to meet on May 27 to discuss the submission of an application to grant Kitsap County the early variance. Work is already underway on this
application by Kitsap Public Health to ensure that we the meet criteria listed by Inslee.
Port Orchard’s city council on May 26 will consider a resolution, introduced by the Mayor’s office,urging the Health District toapply for a variance from the State that would expedite
the re-opening process to Phase-2 ifapproved by the Governor’s office.
“Port Orchard residents’ and all of Kitsap County have worked hard to flatten the curve and successfully keep COVID-19 cases to a minimum,” said Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu. “As
a result, we have the opportunity to move forward if we’re able to demonstrate that we can continue to keep numbers down. Coronavirus is still present in our community, so it is vital
that we all continue to practice safe and healthy habits.”
“The effect of this closure has had a devastating effect on our small businesses” said Port Orchard City Councilmember Shawn Cucciardi. “I feel small retailers should have an even playing
field with the large box retailers, provided that all are following appropriate safety guidelines”.
If passed, the City Council’s resolution will be forwarded to the Health District to affirm the City’s position regarding the Phase-2 opening.
For current information on the application progress for the Phase 2 variance, visit Kitsap Public Health.
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