Inslee extends statewide restrictions

Gov. Jay Inslee extended Thursday Proclamation 20-25, along with the statewide restrictions imposed on November 17, to January 4, 2021. This extension was announced at a press conference last Tuesday (Dec. 8).

Proclamation 20-25.9: Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

Modifications to this order include prohibiting indoor singing with persons outside of your household, but permitting outdoor singing while wearing a face covering in most circumstances, including religious and faith-based services, weddings, and funerals. The proclamation also expressly exempts recovery support groups from the new restrictions.

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced additional economic support for workers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Inslee also announced a three-week extension of the state's current restrictions which will now be in place until January 4, 2021.

The three-week extension of statewide restrictions come as the state's healthcare system nears dangerous occupancy levels. With the effects of Thanksgiving on infection and hospital numbers still unknown, the extension will grant the state's medical system much needed time to increase Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity before it's overwhelmed.

"What we do between now -- when COVID activity is still at crisis levels -- and the time when vaccines are widely available, is literally a matter of life and death," Inslee said at a press conference Tuesday morning.

Inslee was joined by Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown who announced an additional $50 million, doubling the number of Washington small businesses that will receive aid. Industries recently shut down, such as restaurants and fitness centers, as well as businesses that have been devastatingly impacted throughout the pandemic, like music and event venues, have been prioritized.

Vaccine Arrives

About 3,900 doses of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine arrived at UW Medicine's Montlake campus Monday morning, among the first to be distributed in Washington state. Gov. Jay Inslee said Sunday that the first vaccinations in Washington can start as early as Tuesday (Dec. 15).

The nation's first COVID-19 vaccine began arriving in states Monday morning, U.S. officials said Saturday. The green light to begin vaccinations came late Friday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of Pfizer's vaccine. Initially, about 3 million shots are expected to be shipped nationwide. A U.S. government panel endorsed the widespread use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, deeming it safe and effective against the coronavirus in people 16 and older.

Pharmacy Storage

for COVID-19 Vaccine

Gov. Jay Inslee last Wednesday announced the extension and modification of Proclamation 20-36. The existing Proclamation was extended by the Legislature in a Dec. 7 letter, and expires on January 19, 2021.

Proclamation 20-36: Department of Health- Health Care Facilities and Hand Sanitizer

The new statutory waivers give pharmacies the flexibility they will need to store and access COVID-19 vaccines and treatments in locations outside of their pharmacies. These new statutory restriction waivers will expire on January 8, 2021, unless approved for an extension by the Legislature.

Public Transportation

Safety Guidance

Gov. Jay Inslee last Wednesday issued COVID-19 public transportation safety guidance.

"We're thankful for the intensive work done by transit agencies and operators over the last eight months to keep passengers and communities safe" Inslee said. "This new guidance simply helps to clarify safety requirements and set a uniform standard across the industry."

The guidance outlines safety requirements for those who receive direct funding from the state or federal government to deliver public transportation services.

26 Proclamations Extended

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of 26 proclamations today in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

A December 7 letter from the Legislature extended the following proclamations.

Extended through December 21, 2020.

20-21.10: Unemployment Benefit - 1 Week Waiver (20-21.9)

20-58.6: Shared Work (20-58.5)

20-63.5: Department of Social and Health Services - Family Emergency Assistance Program (20-63.4)

Extended through December 31, 2020

20-29.10: Telemedicine (20-29.9)

Extended through January 19, 2021

20-15.10: Department of Licensing (20-15.9)

20-20.10: Department of Revenue - Relief from Penalties, Fees, Interest, Due Dates (20-20.9)

20-23.13: Ratepayer Assistance and Preservation of Essential Services (20-23.12)

20-28.14: Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act (20-28.13)

20-30.10: Unemployment Benefit - Job Search Requirement (20-30.9)

20-31.10: Division of Child, Youth, and Families - Child Care and Background Checks (20-31.9)

20-32.10: Department of Health- Health Care Workers (20-32.9)

20-41.11: Department of Licensing - License and Permit Renewal Extension (20-41.10)

20-43.9: Office of Financial Management, State Human Resources Division - Annual Leave and Pay Procedures (20-43.8)

20-44.9: Nursing Home Transfer or Discharge for COVID-19 Cohorting Purposes (20-44.8)

20-45.9: Protection Orders and Personal Service (20-45.8)

20-48.9: Department of Licensing - CDL Health Certificates and Other Requirements (20-48.8)

20-49.11: Garnishments and Accrual of Interest (20-49.10)

20-51.10: Community Associations Meetings and Late Fees (20-51.9)

20-52.9: Statewide Orders Relating to Long-Term Care (20-52.8)

20-56.7: Tribal Fuel Tax Refund Restrictions (20-56.6)

20-59.7: Temporary Licensing - Dental and Pharmacy Graduates (20-59.6)

20-64.4: Public Records Act - Contact Tracing -- Personal Information (20-64.3)

20-65.4: Long Term Care - Workers, Facilities, and Resources (20-65.3)

20-66.4: Long-Term Care - Operations and Visitation (20-66.3)

20-69.3: Residency for Tuition Waivers (20-69.2)

20-74.2: Behavioral Health Association, Children's Long-Term Inpatient Program and Residential Treatment Facilities - Operations and Visitation (20-74.1)