Today, Governor Jay Inslee restricted the activities of many Washingtonians and businesses by rolling back phased reopening, requiring more masks in common spaces, and extending the moratorium on evictions.
Working families and small businesses in Washington are going to be significantly impacted by the Governor’s latest ‘roll back’ Order without any plan for relief! It is clear to me, and has been for some time, that a special session is necessary!
I urge 2/3 of the legislators to call a special session and address the health and economic needs of our State. The Governor’s unilateral actions under RCW 43.06.220, without any articulable plan or strategy, have limitation and the duly elected Legislature must act now to provide direction during this leadership vacuum
Peter Abbarno, Candidate for State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District.
What the Governor did. . .
Health requirements for weddings and funerals apply both to secular and to religious services.
- Ceremonies are permitted, receptions are prohibited. They must continue to adhere to all other parts of the current guidance.
- For all phases, the maximum indoor occupancy for these events is 20%, or up to 30 people, whichever is less, as long as there can be six feet of distance between households.
- There will be a grace period under these changes for weddings and funerals scheduled to take place in the next two weeks may take place under previous guidance.
For Restaurants and Bars:
- Indoor dining is limited to members of the same household. Put simply: If you’re looking for a seat with people you don’t share a home with, sit outside. If you’re there with people who are in your household, you’ll be allowed to sit indoors. We are taking this step because we believe it reduces the potential for exposure and transmission in dine-in settings.
- Restaurants must also close down vending game areas – like pool tables, darts, video games – until Phase 4.
- In Phase 3, table size will be reduced to 5 and occupancy to 50% indoors.
- Alcohol service at restaurants must end at 10 p.m.
- Bars will be closed for indoor service. Bars are defined as… taverns, breweries, wineries, and distilleries – regardless of their ability to provide food service.
- Restaurants limited back to 5 of same household only. and 50% total occupancy.
Fitness guidance:
- In Phase 2, only 5 individuals – not including staff – are allowed for indoor fitness services at a time. This includes gyms, fitness studios, and indoor pools, ice rinks, volleyball courts, and tennis facilities. These are limited to small group instruction or private training, not to exceed five participants.
- Fitness center occupancy in Phase 3 will be reduced to 25%. All group fitness classes are limited to no more than 10, not including the instructor.
Face Coverings:
Masking in all common spaces is now required.
Evictions:
The moratorium on evictions is extended through October 15th.