Phase 3 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan will allow businesses to operate at 50% capacity starting March 22.
The governor acted after receiving the recommendation of a scientific panel enlisted by Western states.
Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill that can waive some requirements for students who were on track before the pandemic.
“This should give educators more confidence,” Jay Inslee said. Other frontline workers could soon be next.
The governor issued a weekslong pause on regions moving backward, but has yet to outline a Phase 3.
Two months after the COVID vaccine landed in Washington, many still struggle to secure their shots.
The federal funds will go to fight COVID, aid renters and reopen shuttered schools and businesses.
Inslee signed a measure to spread out increases and boost weekly benefit checks for those who are unemployed.
Despite continued frustration from those seeking a shot, the state is making progress, he said.
A citizen panel approved a 1.75% increase for executives, legislators and justices 17 months from now.
On Monday, area restaurants and certain entertainment venues may resume indoor service, the governor said.
An updated reopening plan for stores, restaurants and gatherings will be released next week.
It’s been a month since the governor imposed the new rules. And the pandemic has only gotten worse.
Season 2 now begins Feb. 1 and seasons have been shortened to seven weeks each.
They want to try to scaling back on occupancy before forcing an end to inside service.
Amid soaring new coronavirus cases and an overburdened health care system, the state’s clamping down.
Among them, reportedly, will be a ban on indoor service at restaurants and retail limitations.
Asks residents to forego traditional holiday gatherings due to COVID-19
The recent Lost Wages Assistance program pumped an extra $625 million to Washington’s unemployed.
New rules come as coronavirus cases are on the rise statewide.
