Crime & Safety
3 More Counties To Enter Phase 2 Of Washington's Reopening Plan
Wahkiakum, Skamania and Stevens counties are approved to enter Phase 2, and will begin reopening restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
WASHINGTON — Three more counties are entering Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee's Safe Start plan to reopen the state as the coronavirus pandemic wanes.
Wahkiakum, Skamania and Stevens counties were approved to enter Phase 2 Monday, which will loosen several key restrictions to local businesses. Now that they've been approved the state says the counties will be given individual advice on how to best transition into Phase 2. Once they've proven they're following that guidance, Phase 2 can officially begin.
In Phase 2, restaurants and bars are allowed to reopen as long as they stay under 50 percent full capacity and allow tables no larger than five. Retailers, business offices, hair and nail salons, pet groomers, nannies and housecleaning services are all allowed to go back to work as well. The state says that telecommuting is still encouraged wherever possible, but no longer required. Non-essential travel restrictions are also loosened so residents can travel to the newly-reopened businesses.
The three new counties join Columbia, Garfield, Lincoln, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties, which all received approval to enter Phase 2 on Friday, May 8. To qualify for the expedited reopening, all eight counties needed to have a population below 75,000, and no new coronavirus cases for at least the last three weeks.
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The Governor's Office says Kittitas county has also applied to enter Phase 2 early, but that their application is still under review. The remainder of the state is expected to enter the second phase around June 1.
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