The city of Spokane is not ordering cancellation of large social gatherings in the face of the rapidly escalating coronavirus outbreak.

Yet.

“That could change in the coming days,” Mayor Nadine Woodward cautioned.

In a news conference on Wednesday, Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward urged organizers to review contingency plans for postponing or canceling major events, but stopped short of making an emergency declaration that would allow her to cancel such gatherings.

Gov. Jay Inslee prohibited events of 250 or more people beginning Wednesday for King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.

Instead, the Spokane officials are operating under “voluntary isolation and quarantine for those exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms.”

On Wednesday, Woodward joined the growing chorus of public officials who fully expect COVID-19 to be found in Spokane County.

The factors Woodward will weigh as she considers an emergency declaration will include the evidence of COVID-19 in Spokane, how it is spreading in other cities, its likelihood of spreading to vulnerable communities and the guidance of health officials, she said.

The Spokane Regional Health District will weigh similar factors when determining whether or not to order events be canceled, according to Health Officer Dr. Bob Lutz. He ordered the Washington Middle School Basketball Championship, slated for this weekend at the Spokane Convention Center, to be canceled. This weekend’s Spokane Chiefs games, as of now, are still expected to be held.

“The recommendations are changing day to day as we receive more information,” Lutz said.

The economic consequence of closures “is part of our discussion for sure,” Woodward said. There is an expectation among officials that coronavirus will impact Spokane businesses, but the extent remains to be seen.

“That’s why we want to be very careful and very measured,” Woodward said.

Woodward said the city is being proactive and urged Spokane residents to practice “social distancing” – physically separating from others by six feet or more – working from home when possible, avoiding large, crowded spaces, and refraining from shaking hands.

“This is, and I cannot say this enough, this is a developing situation,” Woodward said. “We expect additional information and updates over the next couple days.”

There have been no local confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday afternoon, but the city is stepping up efforts to help keep residents safe. The city already canceled some events, and will be evaluating others in the coming days. It is also making arrangements to allow some city employees to work remotely while ensuring vital city services continue.

Woodward asked citizens to avoid City Hall if possible and to use the city’s website for online payments and permitting.

Spokane City Council President Breean Beggs said the council stands ready to use its budget authority to support “whatever the mayor needs to fight this,” but also to ask questions of government at all levels and “find out what is the plan.”

As of now, the City Council does not plan to cancel its own meetings.