Inslee allows drive-in religious services

Governor Jay Inslee held several press conferences last week and issued guidance for drive-in religious services, vehicle and vessel sales in his Safe Start recovery plan.

One of the first industries to re-open was vehicle and vessel sales. Some churches in north Pacific County did conduct drive-in services over the weekend.
Last Wednesday, Inslee released guidance allowing religious, spiritual and faith-based organizations the ability to conduct drive-in services.

"Faith is so important at all times, but especially during times of crisis and difficulty. This unique drive-in service option will allow people to come together," Inslee said. "Our goal has always been to keep Washingtonians safe and healthy, and this option allows them to do that while participating in religious, spiritual and faith-based activities."

"This guidance is the work of a strong collaborative process between my office and the industry," Inslee said. "Here is a great example of vehicle and vessels sales dealerships leading the way to ensure the opening of their businesses puts the health and safety needs of their employees and customers first."

Inslee issued an emergency proclamation in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic that maintains access to the ballot: This proclamation waives/suspends the statutory requirement that candidates for public office must submit a filing fee petition with registered voters' signatures if they cannot afford to pay the filing fee. During the COVID-19 emergency, signature gathering runs contrary to recommended public health practices, so candidates for public office may now submit a filing fee petition without collecting those signatures.

Gov. Inslee announced three Safe Start advisory groups with focus on health systems and public health, social support and economic readiness.

"These groups include a diverse group of voices, from community leaders in labor, business, government and nonprofit organizations," Inslee said during a press conference Tuesday. "They represent a broad cross-section of Washingtonians from east and west of the Cascades, different generations and a focus on different impacts from the pandemic on our state."

Each advisory group constitutes a forum for the community to consult with the governor's office and state agencies on next steps as Washington moves forward. The members of these community leader groups are in touch with communities around the state and will inform decision-making.

The three community leader advisory groups will be led by state cabinet officials: Public Health and Health Care System led by the Department of Health Sec. John Wiesman; Safe Work and Economic Recovery led by Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown; and Social Supports led by Department of Social and Health Services Sec. Cheryl Strange.

Inslee also extended 12 proclamations relating to COVID-19.