- Olympia, WA
Washington has re-opened it’s economy today, but that doesn’t mean we are back in pre COVID times. what all you need to know.
Today Governor Jay Inslee has re opened the state’s economy after 15 long months fighting to keep the exposure risk of COVID-19 low. On Wednesday, June 30 and Thursday, July 1, the governor will participate in three community-led celebrations to acknowledge and celebrate end to current COVID restrictions. Inslee will travel to Tacoma, Spokane and Seattle to celebrate with community and business leaders to cele On Wednesday, June 30 and Thursday, July 1, the governor will participate in three community-led celebrations to acknowledge and celebrate end to current COVID restrictions. Inslee will travel to Tacoma, Spokane and Seattle to celebrate with community and business leaders Tom celebrate the state’s reopening.
What’s changing?
Under the new guidelines fully vaccinated workers and customers are no longer required to wear facial coverings outdoors and in indoor non federal and state properties. The State of Washington is still requiring facial coverings unless you can show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.
Transportation at Federal Level
The federal government is still requiring face coverings excluding bandanas to be worn at all times wether your fully vaccinated or not at all transportation hubs, and stations this includes (buses, bus stations, train, light rail stations, airports, airplanes, and ferry boats). Businesses can still require facial coverings to those who are and aren’t vaccinated and can ask for proof of vaccination.
Restaurants, Markets, Performance Centers, Theaters, Arenas
In Washington State orders and limits on capacity and physical distancing on restaurants, markets, bars, recreational centers, and sporting arena have expired. One restriction that will remain in place is a 75% attendance cap on large indoor events of more than 10,000 people, unless the event does vaccination verification prior to entry and all attendees are vaccinated.
WA K-12 Schools, Colleges, Universities
Social distancing guidelines won’t change in places of education this includes face coverings. Universities can enforce COVID-19 Vaccinations for students wanting to attend in person learning and for staff not choosing to remote work, as of today (June 30th) Central Washington University in Ellensburg and Eastern Washington University in Cheney are not requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for staff and students to return for the fall semester. Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake North isn’t requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students and faculty members for this fall quarter.
Governor Jay Inslee said in a statement today,
“Washington has come a long way since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country was found in our state January 2020, and that is in no small part due to Washingtonians’ dedication and resilience in protecting themselves and their communities throughout the pandemic.
“Because folks listened to science and stayed home to stay healthy, wore masks and got vaccinated, we can now safely fully re-open our state’s economy and cultural centers after 15 long months. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of how Washingtonians came together, persevered and sacrificed to fight this virus, and now we’re finally in a place that is safe enough to end this chapter.
“Even though Wednesday marks a new stage in our continued efforts to defeat this pandemic, we still have work to do. Continued success depends on everyone getting vaccinated and encouraging any loved one who has not yet received this lifesaving vaccine to do so, and quickly.”