Several counties in Washington move forward into phase two of reopening

After opening up construction two weeks ago and more outdoor recreation this past week, Governor Jay Inslee announced in a press conference Friday that curbside retail sales and landscaping are now allowed in Washington State.

He mentioned that we are now in phase two of opening and using science and data, and Columbia, Garfield, Lincoln, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties have been given permission by the Department of Health to move forward in opening their economies.

• See also: 
  • Governor Inslee reveals four phase plan to reopen Washington’s economy
  • It’s going to feel like 81°F in Seattle this weekend
  • Select “Stay Healthy Streets” will remain permanently closed

The state is still planning on opening the economy in four phases and will wait a minimum of three weeks before moving between each.

In the rest of phase two, high-risk populations will continue to stay home. All outdoor recreation involving fewer than five people outside your household can take place, including camping and visiting beaches.

Gatherings of no more than five people outside of your household per week are allowed, and limited non-essential travel is allowed within the proximity of your home.

Remaining manufacturing, new construction, in-home and domestic services, retail, real estate, professional services, and hair and nail salons will be able to open.

Restaurants will be able to open as long as they have a capacity table size no larger than five people. Restaurants will only be allowed to operate at 50% capacity.

COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges to our state. So far, Washingtonians have stepped up.

There are more challenges ahead. But tomorrow, we enter Phase 1 of Safe Start, our phased approach to re-opening Washington’s economy: https://t.co/HTjufoscL5 #WeGotThisWA 1/4 pic.twitter.com/Gy8XOHIA8E

— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) May 4, 2020