Politics & Government

Inslee To Deliver Televised Coronavirus Address Thursday Night

The governor, joined by Trudi Inslee, will speak to viewers across the state and provide an update on the coronavirus in Washington.

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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee talks to reporters joining him remotely, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee talks to reporters joining him remotely, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

OLYMPIA, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, will give a televised address Thursday night, speaking directly to Washingtonians amid a growing surge in coronavirus illness across the state.

A news release from the governor's office Thursday morning did not hint at whether Inslee would announce new or modified restrictions, announcing only "an update on the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington state." Unlike traditional news conferences, Thursday's remarks will be addressed directly to viewers at home and will not include a question-and-answer session with reporters.

Inslee delivered a similar address on March 23, when he formally announced the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order.

Latest: Inslee Asks Washington To Stay Home For The Holidays

The governor's office released additional information Thursday afternoon, highlighting a few things expect from the speech and ruling out further restrictions in the short-term:

  • No new COVID restrictions are being announced tonight, but the governor will tell the public that such measures are actively under consideration.
  • The governor will say he does expect to announce early next week – potentially Monday – his decisions on what steps will be taken.
  • The governor’s staff have been reaching out to stakeholders in various sectors and industries for their input on proposals to restrict activities. As with previous restrictions, the goal is to reduce how often people are likely to come into contact with people from outside their household, limiting the spread, and preventing our health care system from being overwhelmed.
  • The governor will say people should change their plans for Thanksgiving gatherings right now, and all other gatherings, as well as holiday travel, emphasizing how crucial social responsibility will be the next 4-6 weeks in containing COVID activity and avoiding exponential growth.

How to watch Inslee's address Thursday:

Washington is among more than three dozen states that reported more than 1,000 new cases Wednesday, according to the COVID Tracking Project. The state broke daily case records three times over the last 10 days.

The most recent data included another 148,000 cases across the United States, reaching yet another grim milestone, and a figure nearly twice the total reported at the beginning of the month

Earlier in the week, state and local health officials delivered an urgent plea to Washington, calling for significant cutbacks in social activities and holiday plans to curb the virus's trajectory before it's too late.

"I am extremely concerned about what seems to be an accelerating trend in the spread of COVID-19," said Dr. Kathy Lofy, the state health officer. "Immediate action is needed from all of us to avoid new restrictions and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. This situation is extraordinarily urgent, and we're running out of time to change direction."

During the same briefing, David Postman, the governor's chief of staff, told reporters new mandates would not be necessary if residents made voluntary and meaningful changes to their social behaviors, including firm limits on social interactions outside the household.

"Right now, what we're trying to say is that you and everybody has the power to help avoid more onerous restrictions," Postman said. "The question is: will people take advantage of that opportunity...and if not, then we'll have another press conference like this where we're talking about restrictions."

Thursday also marks two weeks until Thanksgiving, a holiday of particular concern to public health officials, as it typically coincides with higher travel and large gatherings among family and friends. Health experts strongly recommend against participating in any gatherings with people outside the household but advise those who do to quarantine for 14 days before the event.

Related: How To Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely In Washington

Steps to reduce COVID-19 transmission as the holidays approach, from the Washington State Department of Health:

  • Limit in-person gatherings as much as you can. That means reducing the number of times you gather, how many people attend and how long you spend together. Gather outside if possible, or open windows and doors to maximize ventilation inside.
  • Always wear a face covering when you’re around people who don’t live with you. This includes close friends and family. It may feel awkward to do this around people we know well and trust, but many people get COVID-19 from someone who doesn’t have symptoms yet. Even if you’re keeping some physical distance, it’s still a good idea to wear a face covering.
  • Talk to your family and friends about alternate ways to celebrate the holidays. Brainstorm ideas for virtual celebrations so you can still enjoy spending time together without putting each other at risk.
  • Make a safety plan for in-person gatherings. Have a conversation with your family and friends about what you’re going to do to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19 when you gather.
  • Stay home if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. If you’re feeling a little under the weather but aren’t sure if you’re getting sick, take the cautious approach and protect others by staying home.
  • Keep up your good hygiene habits. Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face.

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