Governor Inslee Announces Four Stage Re-opening Strategy

On May 1, 2020 Gov. Jay Inslee announced Washington’s phased approach for reopening business. This four-phase approach some after the introduction of the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard earlier this week.  You can watch the full press conference here.

Phase One:

This phase is currently in progress and includes:

• Essential businesses are open.
• Construction products considered low-risk that were already in progress may resume.
• Outdoor activities (such as hiking, fishing, golfing) may resume along with the opening of State Parks on May 5, 2020.
• Retailers with curbside pickup only.
• Automotive needs (car sales, car washes, and essential automotive services)
• Drive-in spiritual services are allowed (with one car per household restriction).

Phase Two:

• Small gatherings (five or less) to be permitted.
• Overnight outdoor activities (such as camping) may resume.
• New construction may resume.
• Manufacturing may resume.
• Professional services industries may resume.
• Salons and barbershops may resume.
• In-store retail (with proper safety precautions) may resume.
• Restaurants may resume in-house service at 50% capacity following table restrictions of no more than five people to a party.
• Pet services, such as boarding and grooming, may resume.

Phase Three:

• Gathering in groups of 50 or less may resume.
• Nonessential travel may resume.
• Restaurants may resume in-house services at 75% capacity.
• Bars may resume in-house services at 25% capacity, with nightclubs and other entertainment remaining closed.
• Movie theaters and indoor recreational facilities (gyms, pools, fitness clubs) may reopen at 50% capacity.
• Retailers may reopen to full capacity.
• Museums, libraries, government buildings, and other public facilities may reopen.

Phase Four:

• Standard public activity may resume with social distancing.
• Gatherings of more than 50 people may resume with social distancing.
• Entertainment activities (bars, nightclubs, concerts, large sporting events) may resume.
• Workplaces may resume full staffing with social distancing.

This is an ongoing story, updates will be made and noted below.