Mill Creek Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Governor Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced a two-week pause on all counties moving forward in the phases until at least July 16.

This is to allow more time to see where the numbers are heading, and to give more time for face covering requirements to take hold.

The governor also announced that, starting Tuesday, July 7, businesses will be required to turn away customers who aren’t wearing masks. This follows the statewide mandate given June 26 requiring most people to wear masks indoors and outdoors if they cannot maintain six feet of social distance.

“Like Governor Inslee and Secretary Wiesman, we are very concerned about the recent increase in cases being reported,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, health officer for the Snohomish Health District. “This is what caused us last week to put a pause on plans for Phase 3. The numbers have continued to go in the wrong direction, with our case rates having doubled in Snohomish County since the beginning of June.”

This is not due to an increase in testing. The number of tests submitted weekly has been stable, but the numbers of positive results are increasing. Local health care providers are also reporting increased demand for testing from people with COVID symptoms.

As of Thursday, July 2, there have been 63 confirmed cases in Mill Creek, and 53 have recovered. In all of Snohomish County, there have been 3,630 confirmed cases as of July 2.

“We are in a very precarious situation and need everyone in Snohomish County working together to again flatten the curve and get back on track,” Spitters added. “If we all follow the guidelines for Phase 2, limit non-essential trips, wear face coverings when out of the home, maintain that social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene, we’ll hopefully be in a better position to move forward when eligible.”