SEATTLE – This update summarizes Port actions to maintain the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, travelers, and community, while maintaining essential operations during COVID-19.

Information changes rapidly. Please bookmark our website and check social media channels.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and working closely with our partners, we are committed to keeping our family — you, our employees, and our community —safe. We’ve enacted public health protocols that allow Port facilities and essential projects to operate safely while meeting essential trade, travel, and economic needs.

At the same time, the pandemic has also led to severe economic impacts in Port industries. Aviation activity is down approximately 90 percent compared to this time last year, maritime shipping is down by about 22 percent, and our cruise season is indefinitely suspended until the health crisis subsides.

As the Port looks forward to recovery, we are preparing for the next phase of re-opening our economy and stabilizing our facilities. Read on for the immediate actions we’re taking now to be recovery ready.  

News This Week:

• The Port of Seattle Commission passed a proclamation on May 12, 2020 stating that racism against Asians and Asian Americans will not be tolerated in any form, and that the Port stands in support of individuals and communities targeted by association with COVID-19. The proclamation urges the public to speak up on behalf of equity, justice, and inclusion as we recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Read the press release.
• Effective May 18, the Port will require all passengers, visitors, and airport workers to wear face coverings over their mouths and noses in public areas of the airport, subject to certain limited exceptions, until further notice. This recommendation is consistent with local health authorities’ orders and guidance, as well as the policies of our airline partners that are requiring passengers to wear face coverings while in a gate area and onboard flights. For more details including applicable exceptions, read the Port’s policy.
• Welcome to FlyHealthy@SEA. Stay up to date on actions we’re taking to support public health at SEA and learn about our commitment to a culture of safety and well-being. Read more.
  • Avoiding non-essential travel is still advised, but we’re using this time to prepare for the next phase of economic recovery. Read this blog post.
• The Port of Seattle Commission directed its staff to develop a plan to facilitate temperature checks at SEA and report on the plan by June 9, 2020. Read this blog post.
• Our Frontline Fridays series features Port employees whose hard work and dedication keeps our facilities running safely during challenging times. This week, we checked in with three employees who keep our maritime facilities afloat. Read this blog post.

Please visit our website for many more updates about actions and protocols at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Maritime Facilities as well as information for employees and community partners, and other resources.

About the Port of Seattle

Founded in 1911 by a vote of the people as a special purpose government, the Port of Seattle’s mission is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

The Port owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Fishermen’s Terminal—home of the North Pacific fishing fleet—and public marinas. The Port also owns two cruise ship terminals, a grain terminal, real estate assets, and marine cargo terminals through its partnership in the Northwest Seaport Alliance.

Port operations help support nearly 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in wages throughout the region. Over the next 17 years, the port’s “Century Agenda” seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port. Learn more at www.portseattle.org.