Phase 2 Begins

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City of Medical Lake Response to COVID-19

Message from Mayor Shirley Maike

Spokane County was approved by the Governor to begin Phase 2 of the Re-opening plan.  Congratulations to everyone for doing your part to make sure that we met the Governor’s criteria for re-opening and we look forward to working hard to get ready for Phase 3 sometime in June.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to begin visiting our businesses again.  Let’s make sure that we follow the guidelines and requirements of each business and support them as they follow the rules. 

Medical Lake Food Bank and Medical Lake Outreach continue to be available to those who need assistance. 

If you need help with food, please utilize the Medical Lake Food Bank.  They are open every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.  You can donate food items at the post office, at Lake’s Harvest Foods or at the food bank (located next door to the post office).  If you’d like to send a monetary donation, please send it to the Medical Lake Food Bank, PO Box 461, Medical Lake, WA  99022.

If you need assistance with rent, utility bills, or have other needs, please contact Medical Lake Outreach.  They will talk with you about what services they can assist you with or refer you to other agencies who might be able to help.  They are co-located with the Food Bank.  Their phone number is 299.3819 and they’re available Wednesdays and Fridays.  If you’d like to donate to Medical Lake Outreach, please send your donation to Medical Lake Outreach, PO Box 1468, Medical Lake, WA  99022. 

If you’re a small business and need assistance, please contact Greater Spokane Incorporated who is partnering with West Plains Chamber of Commerce to assist businesses.    Contact Doug Ross at City Hall at 565.5000 if you need resources for masks, gloves or other PPE.  He can let you know if the County has plans for providing these items to businesses. 

The City will not be accepting any reservation requests or Special Event Permit applications until further notice.

COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to be an emerging, rapidly evolving situation with over 497 confirmed cases in Spokane County as of May 25th.  Along with Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home Stay Healthy declaration, the City has declared a public health emergency due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The City continues to take the following precautions

  • All City buildings are closed to the public until further notice.  Staff continues to be onsite to take phone calls, emails and perform essential tasks.
  • All City youth and adult recreation programs have been cancelled or postponed until further notice.
  • Utility bills may be placed in the drop box outside City Hall or you may pay your bill online at www.medical-lake.org.
  • The City will continue not charging late fees or shutting off services for non-payment and will do so at least through the month of May and possibly longer.
  • City Council and Planning Commission meetings will be held electronically to maintain social distancing.
  • City park playgrounds and picnic shelters remain closed until further notice.

Precautions you should continue taking

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the Spokane Regional Health District recommend the following precautions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Social or physical distancing which means staying at least six feet from others.
  • Do not gather in groups.
  • Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
  • If you are sick stay home and away from others.
  • Frequently washing your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your arm.
  • Wear a cloth face cover when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up necessities.
  • Older adults and people who have severe underlying health issues should stay home and away from people.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Helpful Links

  • A drive-thru COVID-19 testing site is available at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Please visit the Spokane Regional Health District website at www.srhd.org for details on how to schedule a test if you meet the testing criteria
  • Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order can be found at www.governor.wa.gov
  • Comprehensive information on the coronavirus can be found at https://www.coronavirus.gov
  • The Spokane Regional Health District’s webpage on coronavirus can be found at www.srhd.org
  • The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has a page dedicated to the virus on their website at www.doh.wa.gov
  • A DOH coronavirus hotline is available by calling 1-800-525-0127 and pressing #

Local Resources for help with utility and rent payment

  • Medical Lake Outreach (509) 299-3819
  • Medical Lake Food Bank (509) 299-3819
  • Spokane Neighborhood Action Program (SNAP) www.snapwa.org

Business Resources for loans and grants

  • Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) is the central location for businesses within Spokane County to go for the latest business loan and grant programs.  Please visit their website at www.greaterspokane.org or call (509) 624-1393.