Seattle closed more than 20 miles of streets to cars so people could exercise during lockdown. They mayor said they'll stay that way.

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• Seattle closed more than 20 miles of streets to cars so people could exercise during the coronavirus stay-at-home orders.
• Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Thursday that the streets will remain closed even after the lockdown is lifted.
  
• As of Friday, there were more than 16,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Washington.
• Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced Thursday that at least 20 miles city streets that were closed to cars during the coronavirus lockdown will permanently remain that way.

Safe and Healthy Streets have been an important tool for families in our neighborhoods to get outside, get some exercise and enjoy the nice weather. That's why, in partnership with @seattledot, we are making at least 20 miles of these streets permanent. https://t.co/OAJ63Q3erW

— Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) May 7, 2020

Through a program called "Stay Healthy Streets," the roads had been closed so pedestrians could spread out and exercise during the stay-at-home order.

"Just like we must each adapt to a new normal going forward, so, too, must our city and the ways in which we get around," Durkan said in a written statement. "That is why we're announcing a nimble, creative approach towards rapidly investing in a network of places for people walking and people biking of all ages and abilities and thinking differently about our traffic signals that make pedestrians a greater priority."

Washington state has more than 16,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 891 deaths. Like most states, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home order to keep the disease from spreading.

Under the ban, people can only leave their home for essential activities, like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment, picking up takeout, and going to essential jobs.

The order also allows people to go outside for walks and exercise, "as long as social distancing of six feet is maintained."

The Stay Healthy Streets program was aimed at making safe distancing more achievable, and after the pandemic, it could be one small step to making the city more liveable and car emissions a little bit lower.