Next Tier Of Vaccinations Expanded, Will Begin March 31: Inslee

OLYMPIA, WA — Just one day after Washington entered a new phase of vaccine distribution, state leaders have announced they are almost ready for the next phase to begin.

“It’s another great day to be from Washington state,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “From protecting people’s housing to helping people see their loved ones and getting more Washingtonians vaccinated, we’re continuing to move forward toward recovery.”

Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Inslee announced that the next phase of vaccinations would begin on March 31. Previously, it had been set to begin on April 12. The governor also announced that the next tier had been expanded to include more essential workers in congregate settings, plus people living in congregate settings and correctional facilities.

"These tiers will open up the vaccine to nearly 2 million more Washingtonians, in addition to the 3 million who are eligible as of today," Inslee said.

According to the governor, starting March 31, the following groups will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine:

• People with two or more comorbidities.
• Comorbidities recognized by the CDC include cancer, chronic lung disease, heart conditions and type two diabetes, among others.
• People ages 60 through 64.
• Other critical workers in congregate settings, restaurant and food service workers, plus workers in manufacturing and construction.
• People living in congregate settings (including correctional facilities) and people experiencing homelessness who live in or access services at congregate settings.

"Reaching more of our workers who work in congregate settings is very important to our state's effort," Inslee said. "It's very important to reduce the transmission rate of the disease, which helps everyone, and it's very important to maintain equity."

Related: WA DOH Optimistic About Vaccinations, Cautious Over Case Trends

When vaccination expands, anyone who is currently eligible for the vaccine will remain eligible, though the governor is urging everyone who can get vaccinated to do so soon if they want to beat the rush.

Just this week, Washington entered Phase 1B2 of vaccinations, making the vaccine available to high risk workers in agriculture and food processing, grocery stores, public transit and more.

"On Wednesday about 600,000 more Washingtonians became eligible for the COVID vaccine, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to get this vaccine," Inslee said. "It works, it's safe, it's fairly convenient, and it can save your life and your loved ones."

At Thursday's conference, Inslee also announced that Washington would extend the eviction moratorium and utility shutoff moratorium through June 30th. He also teased future updates on rental assistance, using funds freed up by Congress' recently-passed American Rescue Plan Act.

This is a breaking news story, this page will be updated.