Mill Creek Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Gov. Jay Inslee on Sunday, Nov. 15, announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country.

The new restrictions come as Washington sees consistent increasing daily case counts, with over 2,000 cases a day over the weekend and average cases in the state doubling over the past two weeks. Activities not included in the modified restrictions should follow current guidance. All K-12/higher education, child care, and courts and court-related proceedings are exempt from the new restrictions.

"This spike puts us in a more dangerous a position as we were in March," Inslee said during a news conference. "And it means, unfortunately, the time has come to reinstate restrictions on activities statewide to preserve the public's well-being and to save lives. These were very difficult decisions that have very real consequences to people's livelihoods. I recognize that and don't take those impacts lightly, but we must act now and act quickly to slow the spread of this disease."

The statewide restrictions took place Nov. 16, and will remain in effect until Monday, Dec. 14. The modified restrictions of restaurants took effect Wednesday, Nov. 18.

To help mitigate financial impacts on businesses and their employees, the state will commit $50 million in aid. Businesses can also apply for Paycheck Protection Plan forgivable loans from the Small Business Administration, or from their local bank.

If workers are kept in their jobs, the loans aren't required to be paid back.

"This is absolutely the right time to take action," said Dr. George Diaz, an Edmonds resident and infectious disease physician at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett.

"It will save the lives of many Washingtonians, provide relief to our most precious resources, which are our frontline healthcare workers, and allow us to continue to provide the full array of medical and surgical care that our state needs."

Gatherings

Indoor gatherings have been one of the biggest driving factors of COVID-19 spikes in Washington and nationwide, Inslee said. Because of this, indoor gatherings with people outside the household will be prohibited unless they quarantine for the 14 days prior to the social gathering or quarantine for the seven days prior to the gathering, and receive a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 48 hours prior to the gathering. Outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than five people.

For long-term care facilities, only outdoor visits will be allowed. Indoor visits may be permitted for essential support persons or end-of-life care.

Restaurants and retail

Restaurants and bars will be closed for indoor service, with to-go services and restricted outdoor dining allowed. In-store retail, grocery stores and personal services are limited to 25% of occupancy and must close any congregate areas.

Religious services, weddings and funerals

Religious services will be limited to 25% indoor capacity or 200 people, whichever is less, and choirs, bands or ensembles are

prohibited from performing.

Wedding and funeral ceremonies can go on with limited attendance, but receptions of any size are prohibited indoors.

Entertainment and fitness

Indoor service will be closed at fitness facilities and gyms, and youth and adult amateur sporting activities are limited to outdoors only with facial coverings.

Bowling alleys, museums, zoos, aquariums, and movie theaters will be closed for indoor services.

"We understand that this is both an economic and a public health crisis. We do not take lightly the impact these restrictions will have on local businesses, many of which have already had a very difficult year. You are not alone, and we will continue to provide supports," Inslee said.

"There is light at the end of this tunnel. We will continue to fight, adapt and persevere. It may be months before we're totally out of the clear, but medical advances are putting us closer to the goal of restoring all activities eventually. For now, we have to keep everyone's interests in mind and take steps that protect all Washingtonians."