COVID-19 & the City's Response

Positive/Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Columbia County: 1(Recovered), 0 Active (Source)

The City of Dayton is committed to protecting residents, businesses, and staff by minimizing the spread of COVID-19. The City has and will continue to follow the guidelines provided by the CDC, the State of Washington, and Columbia County Health Department - all of which prescribe social distancing and active efforts to minimize gatherings of people as the best effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The City Council adopted Resolution 1414 at a Special Emergency Meeting on March 17, 2020. The Resolution declares a state of emergency, and establishes temporary procedures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective until May 1, 2020, unless otherwise amended. These procedures include:

• City Hall and the City Public Works buildings will be closed to the general public. effective immediately
• Staff will be available and can help with all city matters via phone, email, and offer guidance on the city website
• Utility payments will be accepted online, via phone, or by use of the drop box along the alley way
• Utility payment plans are available. These plans are being administratively expanded from six to 12 months. Contact City Hall for more information and guidance on how-to setup a payment plan that fits your needs
• Any over-sized submittals you need to drop off at City Hall can be completed via curbside pickup. Once in front of City Hall, call 509-382-2361 and a staff member will come outside and retrieve the items you need to drop off. If you do not have a cell phone, please knock loudly on the front door and we will come to you
• All water and sewer disconnection process has been temporarily suspended
• The City will waive any late fees on utility accounts as a result of late or non-payment
• The city will utilize the City of Dayton website in attempt to provide the public with the best updated information
• All unnecessary meetings or gatherings are discouraged, and nonessential staff meetings are being canceled
• March 23, 2020 - All public play equipment closed to the public
• Devoted to Dayton, informational brochure made by the Port of Columbia and the Chamber of Commerce

The City will continue to update this Announcement with additional information as it becomes available. 

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America

Columbia County Public Health

Columbia County Emergency Management

Washington State Department of Health

Governor Jay Inslee - Coronavirus Page

Relief for Businesses, Workers, Renters, and More

Defend your Drains - the 3 P's

Misc. News

• Basin Disposal Inc. (BDI) is also working to "flatten the curve" of transmitting COVID-19. As such, Pasco and Walla Walla offices are closed to walk-in customers until further notice. Payments to BDI can be made over the phone at 509-547-2476 or online at no additional charge at www.basindisposal.com . Solid waste collection and removal routes will continue to run as normal; however, contingency plans are in place to respond to potential service interruption, if necessary. 
• Pacific Power has temporarily suspended disconnections and late fees for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. If you are having trouble paying, please contact Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or online a www.pacificpower.net . 
• CenturyLink is committed to ongoing internet services, and has taken the "Keep Americans Connected" pledge, which means that late fees will be waived and no services will be disconnected for the next 60 days for residential and small business accounts. For more information, visit www.centurylink.com . 

Updated Mar. 24, 2020