Inslee announces reopening guidance

Inslee announces reopening guidance

Gov. Jay Inslee last Wednesday announced more details on what COVID mitigation measures will remain in place after the state's economy fully reopens June 30 or earlier.

Industries may return to usual operations at that time - with one caveat: the current applicable masking guidance will still be required. There will be capacity restrictions for large indoor event venues, and there will be certain COVID mitigation measures going on in schools and universities.

Large indoor venues that can accommodate 10,000 or more people will be restricted to 75 percent capacity after the state lifts most COVID restrictions. The guidance will not require physical distancing, but attendees must follow the current masking requirements.

Larger events have a significantly greater risk of spreading disease than smaller events, especially indoors. The governor said the state will reevaluate this restriction at the end of July.

The current travel guidelines, which largely mirror CDC recommendations, will remain in place.

Gov. Inslee said, "I would like to reflect on the progress that we have made as a state. This is an incredible time - vaccinations are widely available and free, more than two-thirds of the people in our state have initiated vaccination; and the public's confidence in this medical miracle grows each day. Soon we will be able to go back to more normal operations. We all should be very proud of what we've accomplished to save lives."

Cases Still Climbing

Washington reported 522 new coronavirus cases, totaling 442,098, and 8 new deaths, totaling 5,793. 24,673 people have been hospitalized in the state due to the virus. 44.98% of Washingtonians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination data is updated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Inslee Renews Call

for Climate Action

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a video statement following reports that carbon dioxide levels had reached their highest point in 4 million years.

Gov. Inslee said, "Climate change is not only man made through carbon emissions, but it's decimation is revving up faster than many expected. These heat-trapping emissions are changing our lives and world for the worse. The conditions of the world we live in were handed down through the eons, but it took human industry just a few generations to cause damage that could be irreparable. We can save our climate - and with it, our way of life - but time is running out."

Inslee consolidates business and employee guidance documents for some industries

Gov. Jay Inslee announced further business and employee guidance consolidations and rescissions for some industries.

Unless otherwise specified, these industries will no longer need to follow industry-specific guidance. They will instead only need to follow general requirements, which include the COVID-19 workplace health and safety measures established by the department of labor & Industries.

Affected industries include: construction, bowling, golf, museums, outdoor recreation, and zoos and aquariums.

Family Emergency

Assistance Program

Gov. Jay Inslee last Thursday extended a proclamation allowing for the expansion of the Family Emergency Assistance Program (FEAP) to assist families both with and without children.

This proclamation is issued under the authority granted to the governor by SHB 1151, which passed the legislature earlier this year. This program will help many families who continue to suffer economic hardship during the pandemic.

The proclamation went into effect Monday, June 14, and remains in effect until June 30 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.