SEATTLE – On June 26 at 12 p.m., the City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management will send a test message through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. The alert will only be sent to those who have opted in to receive local test messages through WEA, and to a small geographic area under and near the West Seattle Bridge. The message will state: “This is a test of Wireless Emergency Alerts by the City of Seattle. No action is required.” 

The national WEA system is an essential part of the City’s emergency preparedness and response. This public safety system allows customers who own compatible devices to receive geographically targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area. The most common example of these alerts is the “Amber Alerts” sent by Washington State Patrol that directly ping mobile phones.  

Though not predicted, the City has emergency plans in place to use the WEA and AlertSeattle systems among other methods to notify people under or near the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge in the event of an immediate collapse. The City has successfully used the system several times in 2020, though it’s important to test the geographical capabilities of the system to ensure the correct area is targeted. Twenty volunteers from Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management Auxiliary Communication Services will stage in locations on and surrounding Harbor Island during the test to confirm receipt of the message. Results will be collected by Seattle OEM to determine the reach of the system.  

Mobile phone users who are in the geographical area and would like to receive the test message must take steps to enable the option on their phone. The capability of a phone to receive local test messages depends on the brand and model, as well as phone carrier. Review the instruction manual for the phone for information on how to enable this feature. Basic information for Apple and Android Phones is below:  

Apple iPhone:  

• To turn it on: Enter *5005*25371# and tap the green phone icon. You’ll get an alert that says “Test alerts enabled.”  
• To turn it off: Enter *5005*25370# and tap the green phone icon. You’ll get an alert that says “Test alerts disabled.”  

Androids: 

• Go to “Settings” > “Apps and Notifications” > “Advanced” > “Wireless Emergency Alerts” and then switch “State/local test” option to ON. 
   

Members of the public are encouraged to proactively sign-up for AlertSeattle to receive emergency notifications from the City of Seattle: alert.seattle.gov.  

The Seattle Fire Department policy for Scenes of Violence is to wait for law enforcement to secure the scene before sending crews in to respond. For the safety of our crews, this is also in effect for fire and medical emergencies at East Olive Street, East Pine Street and East Pike Street from 13th Avenue to Nagel Place which includes the area on 10th Avenue and the south end of Cal Anderson Park. Our crews do not have training to go into a volatile situation to extract patients, which is why we have instructed people to walk or bring the patients to the perimeter of the crowd or transport in a private vehicle to the hospital to expedite medical treatment.

For the June 20 shooting, we can confirm that our units did not leave the perimeter of the scene until we received a report from one of our medic units located at Harborview Medical Center that the two shooting victims had arrived via private vehicles.

Our mission is to save lives and protect property, but we must keep our firefighters and paramedics safe so we can continue to help people. This was a scene where the risk was too high to commit our crews to respond in without a police escort.

This is a very dynamic and tough situation for our crews, and has led us to think outside of our normal response strategies to ensure patients receive medical treatment. In an effort to expedite medical care for patients requiring transport to a hospital, last night we loaned two sets of a wheeled stretcher and basic medical supplies to a group of volunteers providing first aid within the vicinity. Additionally, we had previously provided mega movers (for moving patients) and fire extinguishers to this same group. We have also pre-designated patient collection points for our crews to meet the volunteer medical staff just outside the boundaries of the designated area. We can confirm that these locations have been communicated to the volunteer medical staff. For security reasons and to avoid a large crowd gathering at these locations, we are not sharing publicly where they are located.

Seattle Fire Department (SFD) incident numbers: F200060405 & F200060396  

**Please note: This information is preliminary and will be supplemented and expanded in the coming days as the homicide investigation progresses. SPD initially entered the scene but was unable to secure the location for SFD medics. Each department can largely provide secondhand reports of events occurring inside the occupied area from witnesses to the events and video footage. It will be updated with any additional information provided by SPD as the investigation continues.**  

On June 20, 2020 at approximately 2:19 a.m., 9-1-1 received reports of a shooting at 10^th Ave and E. Pine St. SPD officers responded to the scene and SFD dispatch was notified.    

Due to SFD’s existing policy of staging and requesting law enforcement to first secure the scene before entering for scenes of violence, fire units began staging near the perimeter at 2:23 a.m. This is a standard procedure for any scene of violence and is also currently in place for any fire and medical emergency inside the area deemed the CHOP due to firefighter safety.  

Between 2:26 and 2:28 a.m. SPD officers staged at 12^th Ave and Cherry St. and initially entered the scene but were unable to secure the location for SFD medics. Simultaneously, volunteer medics provided medical assistance to the first gunshot victim. The first victim was transported via a private vehicle and arrived at 2:42 a.m. at Harborview Medical Center. The first victim was pronounced deceased at Harborview Medical Center at 2:53 a.m. 

There were multiple 9-1-1 calls, and at approximately 2:51 a.m., reports surfaced of a second gunshot victim nearby at 11^th and Pike. SPD officers and SFD medics were already on the scene staging due to the previous call and needed SPD presence to enter the scene. Simultaneously, the second victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in a private vehicle and arrived with a major gunshot wound at 3:06 a.m. The victim is in critical condition.  

Anyone with information about this shooting, or who may have video, is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crime tip line at (206) 233-5000. You can read the SPD blotter post here.

SEATTLE – Several intentionally set dumpster fires, bonfires and attempts at structure fires have occurred during recent demonstrations in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in the vicinity of 11^th and Pine. Recognizing that the Seattle Police Department East Precinct is adjacent to residential and commercial buildings, the Seattle Fire Department has and will continue to upstaff resources near the area to ensure crews are appropriately equipped to respond when it’s safe to do so. With recent and predicted events near the Seattle Police Department East Precinct, the department is highly encouraging businesses and residents in the area to take the following steps to prevent arson fires:  

BEFORE A FIRE:  

• Secure business and garage area by locking doors and windows.  
• Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter, or any combustibles from around buildings.  
• Do not allow dumpsters to become overfilled.  
• Locate commercial dumpsters and containers at least five feet away from combustible walls and roof eave lines. Use only metal or metal-lined receptacles.  
• Place locks on commercial dumpsters or keep in secured area.  
• Install or activate motion-sensored lights.  
• Test fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, to ensure they are working.  
• Develop and practice a fire escape plan.  
• Keep exit ways clear of boxes and other debris which could hamper evacuation.  

DURING A FIRE:  

• Implement your fire evacuation plan, and exit the building.  
• Call 911 to report the location of the fire, and do not assume someone else has already called.  
• Report to 911 and responding crews if anyone could still be inside.  

Follow twitter.com/seattlefire for updates on significant incidents, and sign up for AlertSeattle at alert.seattle.gov to receive emergency notifications from the City of Seattle.  

SEATTLE – The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) is partnering with Airlift NW and Seattle Parks to provide airlift transport of patients during the West Seattle Bridge closure under extreme circumstances. This is occurring in response to the anticipated traffic impacts during peak travel times, which could delay SFD’s ability to provide transport via the typical method of a medic unit for critical patients. The frequency of helicopter transports is expected to be very low (only a few times per year, if any) but is an added capability of the fire department to serve West Seattle residents. Additionally, as previously announced, the department is dedicating an extra medic unit (Medic 26) and ladder truck (Ladder 13) during the bridge closure.   

To prepare for this added helicopter capability, the department is holding a drill at the Alki and Walt Hundley Playfields in early June. From 2-3 p.m. at the below dates and locations, neighbors in the area will hear and see a helicopter land at the playfield, and firefighters simulate a patient transport hand-off.   

• June 8: Alki Playfield – 5817 SW Lander St.  
• June 9: Walt Hundley Playfield – 6920 34th Ave. SW  
• June 10: Alki Playfield – 5817 SW Lander St.  
• June 11: Walt Hundley Playfield – 6920 34th Ave. SW  

The site will be secured by Seattle Fire and Police personnel. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, the fire department encourages residents to not gather at the site, but instead watch the activities from the livestream on Facebook on the first day of the drill June 8 (facebook.com/seattlefire), or from your doorstep.   

City will lease two former emissions testing sites to provide up to 1,600 tests per day 

PHSKC and Mayor Durkan encourages individuals protesting to be tested if you have been in contact with people who are ill with COVID-19, or you are experiencing symptoms 

SEATTLE (June 4, 2020) – Following King County’s application to advance to a modified phase one in Governor Inslee’s updated “Safe Start Washington” plan, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today, the launch of free Citywide testing at two locations in north and south Seattle. As part of the announcement, Mayor Durkan and University of Washington President Ana Maria Cauce signed a memorandum of agreement solidifying the partnership between the City of Seattle and UW Medicine. The joint effort is expected to increase capacity by my more than 1,600 tests per day. 

“As the first major U.S. city to take on this public health crisis, we learned early on the impact of the illness as it spread quietly due to the lack of testing. Three-and-a-half months after the first case of COVID-19 was detected in the region, life in the Pacific Northwest has entered a new normal where we all must remember to use appropriate hygiene, physical distancing and be tested when sick or exposed. The implementation of stringent mitigation measures have saved lives and slowed the spread of the virus, but the virus can quickly resurge if we don’t do testing, contact tracing and isolation. Without a vaccine, our behavior and testing are the most important factors to limiting COVID spread and moving into new phases of normal. For individuals who are gathering, please use physical distancing and facial coverings, stay home when sick, and be tested”  

“The University of Washington is not only a state university, we are an integral part of the Seattle community. UW Medicine has been at the forefront of this pandemic and its virology lab developed one of the first COVID-19 tests in the country. This partnership is a great example of how we can amplify our impact through cooperation and collaboration. It is the right thing to do, and we are proud to be a part of this effort,” said Ana Mari Cauce, President of the University of Washington 

“To rebuild our economy safely we need more testing capacity, and those with even mild symptoms or who have reason to believe they have been exposed need to get tested. This is an essential step in effective containment of the virus without strict stay-at-home requirements. That’s why we are working with healthcare providers across King County to create more testing options for anyone who may not have easy access, particularly in communities that have higher rates of infection,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine.  

“Testing for COVID-19 is more widely available across King County, and everyone with COVID-19 symptoms – even if not severe – and people who’ve had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested as soon as possible,” said King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin. “Early testing is important whether you are young or old to help prevent spread of the virus in households and the community.  Please check with your healthcare provider right away if you develop a new cough, difficulty breathing or other symptoms of COVID-19. Other symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and sore throat.  See our COVID-19 web page to find a testing location near you.” 

“To ensure Seattle can safety open under Gov. Inslee’s phased plan, we must increase our testing capacity. Despite having insurance and primary care doctors, I’ve heard from many constituents who still can’t access or face increased barriers to COVID-19 tests,” said Councilmember Debora Juarez, District 5 North Seattle. “The City is utilizing its existing resources and relationships to expand available testing, so those diagnosed can self isolate and we can continue to slow the spread of coronavirus.”

“Seattle firefighters are committed to helping our region beat the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, we partnered with Seattle Police to set-up the first-in-the-nation testing site for first responders conducted by first responders. Shortly after, we implemented Mobile Assessment Teams to test residents and staff at long-term care facilities, who often suffer the worst consequences from COVID-19. We have adapted both of these models and are now ready to step into the new role of conducting widespread testing for members of the public,” said Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins. “I am proud of the members on my team who are devoted to the overall health of our community.” 

Earlier this week, Mayor Durkan signed an executive order and transmitted legislation to City Council to lease two former emissions testing sites for testing purposes. The facilities are located in north and south Seattle and will operate Monday thru Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and accommodate drive thru clients who book ahead through the website. These sites are designed and intended for drive-up testing and are not ADA compliant for pedestrians. If you need walk-up testing with ADA accommodations, don’t worry, there are many options for free COVID testing, please visit Public Health – Seattle King County’s website or call 206-477-3977 for more information. Most people can access testing through their regular health care provider The City is actively looking to add walk-up testing and additional capacity in West Seattle, another high-need area of the City. 

Clients at the testing facilities will not be charged for testing and will not receive a bill, regardless of health insurance status. For insured clients, UW Medicine will handle the billing of an individuals’ private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. Under Washington law, insurance companies cannot charge co-pays for COVID-19 testing. For uninsured clients, UW Medicine will seek reimbursement directly from the federal, Families First Coronavirus Response Act Relief Fund for the cost of the test.  

The Citywide testing program was quickly developed in a matter of weeks once difficult to secure testing kits were available. Operations, from leasing to staffing, including added technology enabling the scaling to 1,600 patients per day, made possible through a partnership with U.S. Digital Response and Solv Health. U.S. Digital Response surveyed tools and landed on Solv Health who dedicated engineering time to adapt their easy-to-use booking tool to meet the needs of the Seattle’s testing sites. The platform was created and ready to launch within a two week timeframe. 

“Working closely with these incredible partners to increase testing capacity is perfectly aligned with our mission of making healthcare simple, affordable and more accessible,” said Heather Fernandez, CEO and co-founder of Solv. “We’re excited to help the City test thousands of Seattleites” 

Building off the success of ground breaking and national standard setting pilots, like the first responders testing site and mobile assesssment teams, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has developed a cadre of experienced personnel to lead the citywide testing effort by administering tests. Thus far, nearly 70 percent of COVID-19 related deaths in King County are associated with long-term care facilities. The City of Seattle has focused its limited resources on testing our most vulnerable residents in those facilities like nursing and adult care homes. The Mobile Assessment Teams have visited 24 facilities, provided 1,310 tests and uncovered numerous positive cases among residents and staff. The knowledge of positive results has allowed facilities to quarantine (asymptomatic) and isolate (symptomatic and positive cases) individuals to protect those living within the facilities and the surrounding community.  

To help accommodate a safe and seamless testing process, the City highly-urges potential clients to pre-register for appointments at www.seattle.gov/covid-19-testing. SFD estimates pre-registration will allow the testing procedure to take fewer than 10 minutes per test. Friday, June 5 is the first day of testing at the SODO site and Monday, June 8 is the first day of testing at the Aurora site.  

Early in the crisis, testing was limited, but we have entered a new phase. COVID-19 can appear similar to the common cold or seasonal flu, and  we are urging anyone with any of the following symptoms to seek testing: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. Furthermore, if you have been in close contact with someone for 15 minutes or longer who has COVID-19 you should also be tested.  

Testing results can be accessed by individuals online, and those who test positive will be contacted, given information on next steps, and a referral to Public Health – Seattle & King County. Public Health, in partnership with the State Department of Health, operates a contact tracing program to help prevent positive cases from spreading the virus to their families and the surrounding community.   

As cities across the country transition to reopening, widespread testing is commonly considered one of the most important measures to provide the confidence residents and businesses need to feel safe. Testing is the critical component to slowing the spread of COVID-19, it allows public health personnel to implement contact tracing – notifying individuals who were exposed so they can quarantine, testing when needed, and helping positive cases to isolate which reduces virus spread within households, workplaces, and communities.  

Increased capacity for Citywide testing will help increase community safety, trust and confidence as we take steps towards our new normal.  

Post shared from the Office of the Mayor