Two community centers to close temporarily

COVID-19 outbreak also prompts postponement of city events

To help stem the spread of COVID-19, particularly among high-risk populations, the city is temporarily suspending programs and drop-in activities at Highland Community Center and North Bellevue Community Center March 9-31. Some city community events will also be postponed.

The postponed events include a Cultural Conversations gathering set for March 17 and three Welcome to City Hall events – one for English speakers on March 19, one for residents from South Asia on April 3 and one for Mandarin speakers on May 8. 

All Parks & Community Services events will be canceled through March 31. The department will not take new requests for space rental at any of the city’s community center facilities through March, but will support all events for which space has already been reserved.

City parks and the other community centers and their respective programs will remain open for use. 

So far, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bellevue, but public health officials recommend limiting large gatherings, particularly for high-risk populations. These closures and postponements are out of an abundance of caution, to support slowing the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable residents. 

The city will post updates when these events are rescheduled or information changes.

Mayor Lynne Robinson signed a proclamation of emergency on Tuesday, March 3, which allows the city to act quickly should the outbreak spread to residents here. Mayor Robinson also urged residents to support individuals who have chosen to self-quarantine.