The city of Mercer Island announced March 5 at about noon that it is issuing a proclamation of emergency for the city, following the rise in novel coronavirus cases in King County.

While there are no confirmed cases for Mercer Island, the city has shut down some buildings over two suspected cases. Earlier this week, the Mercer Island Thrift Shop was closed for disinfecting after the spouse of an employee was suspected sick.

On Thursday the Luther Burbank Administration Building was closed as a city employee had a suspected case of COVID-19. The building is being disinfected and is expected to reopen March 6.

Mayor Benson Wong and city manager Jessi Bon signed the proclamation Thursday.

“While the direct impact of the virus outbreak has fortunately been minimal in Mercer Island so far, the city is taking all appropriate measures, and is committed to sharing timely, science-based information and practical actions that everyone can follow,” Bon said in a press release.

According to the release, “the emergency proclamation streamlines the city’s process for procuring equipment, supplies and services that might be needed if large numbers of residents and/or city staff contract the illness.”