Gov. Jay Inslee announced new restrictions yesterday on Washington citizens and businesses, after a recent increase in the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The new restrictions include:
- No indoor gatherings with people outside your household (except for specialized childcare).
- Outdoor gatherings are limited to 5 outside your household.
- No indoor service in restaurants and bars. But to-go service and outdoor dining are permitted (table-size limited to 5).
- No indoor fitness facilities
- No indoor bowling, event venues, movie theaters, museums, zoos, aquariums
- No real estate open houses
- No wedding or funeral receptions. Ceremonies are permitted but limited to 30 people.
- In-store retail is limited to 25% indoor occupancy: no seating areas or food courts.
- Religious services are limited to 25% indoor occupancy and no more than 200 people. No choir performances, but soloists are okay. Masks required.
- Professional services must work from home when possible; offices are restricted to 25% occupancy and closed to the public.
- Personal services are limited to 25% max occupancy.
- Long-term care facilities are limited to outdoor visits only, except end-of-life care.
- Youth and adult amateur sports limited to outdoor-only for intra-team practices, masks required.
The restrictions take effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday and will remain in place until Monday, Dec. 14. The new restrictions will deal another significant setback to businesses struggling to survive following the shutdown this spring.
We will keep you updated with information as it becomes available on the Chamber’s COVID Resources page, at Thurston Strong and the Thurston EDC.
This is a challenging time for many affected businesses, and the Chamber is saddened by the spiking cases and the need to take such action and resulting impacts on our region’s businesses.
We are reviewing the new restrictions and will share additional details about the restrictions and any news of relief funds as soon as possible. More information on the updated guidance is available from the governor’s office here.
Sincerely,
David Schaffert
President/CEO
Thurston County Chamber
