For the past month, our City and country have experienced one of the most consequential events in recent history: the global COVID-19 pandemic. I know that we’re living in an uncertain time, and that we’re worried about our loved ones, friends, colleagues, and our neighbors. Worries about bills, health care costs, rent, food and childcare are creating anxiety and uncertainty for most families.

While many aspects of this virus remain unknown, we do know that without a vaccine, we have to adopt bold actions to save lives and protect our community. Social distancing is the best tool available to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier this evening, Governor Inslee took another critical step to protect the health and safety of our communities and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The Governor extended the statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order until May 4. The order was first announced on March 23, and bans all gatherings, closes all non-essential businesses unless employees can work from home, and requires all Washingtonians to stay home unless they are engaging in an essential activity.

These measures are hard on our community. They have real economic consequences for the most vulnerable and low-income workers. However, we are seeing the consequences of acting too late on social distancing measures in places like New York or Louisiana. I urge all residents and businesses to comply with the Governor’s order and continue social distancing. It’s up to all of us to ensure the health and safety of our community and to protect our most vulnerable neighbors who are at higher risk for the virus.

Earlier this week, researchers issued two new reports with preliminary data that showed that our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 appear to be significantly slowing the spread of the virus. The studies underscored the urgent need for continued social distancing – we cannot lose any progress we have made. Our actions are making a difference.

But we also must be prepared for a continued surge in cases in the coming weeks. Our region is lucky to be home to some of the foremost minds in public health, and their research indicates that we have not yet reached the pandemic’s peak. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we will get through this if we continue our actions to social distance and take care of one another.

At the City, we continue to do all we can to help our communities who have been impacted by this global pandemic. From providing assistance for utility payments, to providing over thousands of families grocery vouchers, to issuing grants for our small businesses, we’re prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable communities.

And I have been so moved by our Seattle community’s commitment to stepping up and taking care of each other. From individuals donating their PPE to our health care workers and first responders on the frontlines of this crisis, to chefs preparing meals for our seniors and people experiencing homelessness, to musicians and artists ensuring our City’s incredible culture continues to be accessible to all, we’ve proven that there’s no place like Seattle. I’m so proud to be a Seattleite, and to be Mayor of our great city.

Please know that I am so grateful to everyone in our city during these unprecedented circumstances. The world is truly looking at us as a model, and we will come through this largely because of our city’s kindness and compassion. Thank you for everything you’re doing.

And please be kind and stay healthy.

For more information on the Governor’s order, please visit https://coronavirus.wa.gov/; for a comprehensive list of community and City resources, please visit this website.