Phase II includes expanded activities

Information released by Washington State Governor’s Office, Photo courtesy of Jerry Isenhart

On Tuesday, Governor Inslee announced that the 5 counties still in Modified Phase 1 (Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, and Yakima) are moving to Phase 2.  Below is a list of allowed activities as outlined in the Washington State Safe Start Website.

This information below reflects the newest Safe Start updates announced by the governor.

Modified Phase 1

  • Complete details about what activities are allowed in Modified Phase counties can be found here. All essential businesses and Phase 1 activities are also permitted.
  • Gatherings: Social gatherings are only allowed outdoors with 5 or fewer people outside the household per week. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet must be maintained.
  • Religious Services: As outlined in Phase 2 religious guidance, but indoor services at a place of worship limited to 25% of room capacity or up to 50 people.
  • Agritourism (eg, pumpkin patches, berry farms, tree farms, hay/wagon/train rides).
  • Weddings and funerals ceremonies are permitted, but receptions are prohibited. Maximum occupancy for a wedding or funeral is limited to 20% capacity or up to 30 people, whichever is less, as long as six feet of physical distancing can be achieved between households. This applies to both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
  • Travel: Essential travel and travel for Modified Phase 1 activities. Travel to counties in other phases to participate in non-essential activities is not allowed. Examples include sports tournaments, large group events or dining.

Phase 2

All activities in previous phases are allowed in addition to the following:

  • Recreation, sports and fitness: Outdoor recreation involving five or fewer people outside your household, camping (where open), beaches (where open). Indoor fitness and training facilities must provide 300 feet of distance between visitors. For large facilities (>12,000 sq ft), occupancy is limited to 25%. Certain indoor and outdoor recreation and competition as outlined in Phase 2 guidanceMuseums allowed at 25% capacity. Libraries allowed for some activities at 25% capacity. Movie theaters allowed at 25% occupancy.
  • Gatherings: Gather with no more than five people outside your household per week.
  • Indoor spiritual or religious services: up to 25% of capacity or 200 individuals (whichever is less). Choirs not allowed. In-home faith-based services or counseling with up to five people.
  • Wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions and funerals, both religious and non-religious, are allowed up to 25% capacity or up to 30 people, whichever is less, as long as six feet of physical distancing can be achieved between households. This applies to both indoor and outdoor events.
  • Travel: Essential travel and travel for activities allowed under Modified Phase 1 and Phase 2. Travel to counties in other phases to participate in non-essential activities is not allowed. Examples include sports tournaments, large group events or dining.
  • Businesses: Manufacturing, construction, real estate, photography, pet grooming, in-home/domestic services (nannies, housecleaning, etc.), retail (in-store purchases allowed with restrictions), professional services/office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged), personal services (hair and nail salons/barbers, tattoo, etc.).
  • Restaurants/bars*: Open at <50% capacity, table sizes no larger than 6. Alcohol service ends at 11:00 p.m. No bar area seating allowed. No indoor seating at bars unless the establishment meets minimum food requirements in Safe Start guidance. No karaoke or live entertainment allowed. (*bars are defined as taverns, breweries, wineries and distilleries)

For additional information, visit the Safe Start Website.