Washington Issues Guidance For Reopening Museums, Bowling Alleys

SEATTLE, WA — For the first time in months, Washington state is allowing more industries to reopen their doors to the public, and this time it's museums, bowling alleys, and agritourism businesses like tree farms.

The move comes as the state finally appears to be flattening the curve of coronavirus infections for a second time, though the governor warns that everyone will have to continue following safety guidelines to keep the curve flat and allow for further reopenings.

Here's a look at some regulations reopening businesses will need to follow:

Museums

• Museums can reopen in phases 2 or 3 of the safe start plan, but regulations change depending on what phase the county is in.
• In Phase 2:
  • All patrons over 2 years old must wear facial coverings.
  • Exhibits and galleries can reopen, but visitors must be limited to 25 percent capacity. Each room must not exceed 25 percent at any given time and should be monitored.
  • Exhibits that normally allow patrons to touch must be labeled with "No Touching" signs. If they use tools or touchpads they can be cleaned and disinfected.
  • Timed ticketing or phone reservations are encouraged to limit capacity.
  • Galleries must allow for one-way traffic flow.
  • No private events are allowed
• In Phase 3, all previous guidance remains, except:
  • Capacity can now reach 50 percent.
  • Events are allowed, but must be limited to follow social gathering regulations.

Read the governor's full guidance for museums.

Bowling Alleys

• Only two bowlers per lane.
• Bowling is restricted to league play or practice for league play.
• Spectators are not allowed.
• Bowlers must maintain the safe physical distance of six feet apart.
• Lanes must be sanitized for reuse.
• Shoes and balls must be disinfected after every use.
• Masks are required, even while bowling.

Read the governor's full guidance for bowling.

Agritourism

• Tree farms should have one-way traffic through the fields.
• Visitors must be encouraged to wash their hands, and fruits and vegetables must be washed before eaten.
• Visitors cannot ride in groups in trains, wagons or trucks to the fields. Instead, they should drive their own vehicles to the field if the business allows.
• Shared equipment like wheelbarrows must be sanitized between each use.

Read the governor's full guidance for agritourism.