Governor Inslee announces changes to Washington's phased reopenings

Four months after Governor Jay Inslee’s stay home stay healthy order was put in place, Washington State COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

With over 50,000 coronavirus infections in the state, Governor Inslee has amended his order to include new changes to public services, indoor dining, fitness services, and eviction moratoriums.

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Changes to public services

Changes to weddings and funerals apply to both secular and religious services, prohibiting receptions of any kind. Ceremonies are still permitted with a maximum indoor occupancy of 20% or up to 30 people, whichever is less. Six feet of distance between households must be maintained.

There is a grace period for weddings and funerals scheduled to take place in the next two weeks.

Changes to indoor dining and alcohol service

Indoor dining is limited to members of the same household — if you want to sit with people you don’t live with, you will need to sit outside. In Phase 3, the maximum table size for dining is 5 and occupancy is 50% for indoor dining. Vending game areas like pool tables, darts, and video games must remain closed off until Phase 4. All bars must be closed for indoor service, and alcohol service at all restaurants must end at 10 pm.

Changes to fitness centers and community recreation

In Phase 2, besides staff, only five individuals are allowed for indoor fitness services. This includes gyms, fitness studios, indoor pools, ice rinks, volleyball courts, and tennis facilities.

Fitness center occupancy in Phase 3 is being reduced to 25% — all group fitness classes must be limited to no more than 10, not including the instructor. These changes prohibit indoor family entertainment and recreation centers such as bowling and arcades until Phase 4. Indoor card rooms are also prohibited from opening until Phase 4. Indoor movie theater occupancy must be limited at 25% in Phase 3.

Changes to the eviction moratorium 

The governor is also extending the statewide eviction moratorium. He and his staff will work with a group of landlords and tenants to discuss potential changes to the moratorium — specific details will be released soon.