FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2020

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications, tjumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152
Maria Lee, Media and Communications, maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054

 

A Statement From Mayor Victoria Woodards on
Governor Jay Inslee’s Decision to Ease Restrictions and Reopen Construction 

TACOMA, Wash. – In this unprecedented time of worldwide pandemic, I want to express my deep appreciation to Governor Inslee for his leadership and for his commitment to carefully balancing the need to protect public health with the desire to restart the economic engines of Washington state. This first step to ease restrictions and reopen construction with safety protocols that protect both workers and our community is a model that we will be able to learn from as we look at reopening other sectors of the economy. I especially appreciate that the guidance released today was crafted with input from key partners who understand the needs of that industry and its workers. 

The new COVID-19 protocols have been reviewed by medical experts to ensure they met public health standards. In Tacoma, we expect all resuming construction projects to protect the safety of workers and our community by following the Governor’s guidance. If you are a worker or a community member who believes that a worksite is violating any of the requirements, I encourage you to report it promptly to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. 

I know that many of our neighbors, business owners, seniors, friends, and family members are living with great uncertainty, and I want to acknowledge that some uncertainty is likely to remain part of our daily lives as we continue to learn more about COVID-19. I also want to assure you that we are stronger together. The City Council, City staff, and I are actively taking stock of emerging community needs and innovating to find the most effective ways to address your concerns. We know that many members of our community are doing the same – whether it’s by running an errand for an elderly neighbor, making an appointment to donate blood, or providing meals for medical workers by donating to the Downtown Tacoma Partnership’s “Hero Meals” program. We can each find ways to care for one another in this critical time. We are Compassionate Tacoma, and we will get through this together. 
  

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