Inslee Releases Phase 2 Rules For Outdoor Recreation

WASHINGTON — Gov. Jay Inslee released new rules dictating how recreational sports and activities will return to Washington during Phase 2 of his Safe Start plan to reopen the economy. The new rules also clarify some of the regulations set under Phase 1.

The guidance released Thursday covers a variety of outdoor activities including: tennis, guided ATV, guided paddle sports, horseback riding, guided fishing tours, go-cart tracks and motocross facilities.

Broadly, Inslee's rules instruct outdoor recreational facilities to keep their building and equipment sterilized and have employees wash their hands frequently and practice safe social distancing. Employees must also be screened for signs of the coronavirus at the start of their shift. When possible, businesses should prioritize online or credit card payments and avoid taking cash. Finally, they must must keep a log of all customers including: first and last names, their home address and phone number.

The rest of the new rules are broken down by activity.

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Here are a few of the new regulations:

Tennis Courts

• In Phase 1, courts can only allow doubles tennis if all four players are from the same household. Phase 2 removes that restriction.
• Players must bring their own tennis balls.
• Competitions are allowed, but without spectators.

Guided ATV, Horseback Riding and Paddle Sports

• In Phase 1, guided tours must all be from the same household with a maximum of eight people per tour. In Phase 2, groups can have a maximum of three households and 12 people to a group. Social distancing is still required between the different households.
• Overnight trips are allowed in Phase 2.
• Users must bring their own pens to sign waivers or use sanitizer after using digital devices to sign waivers.

Guided Fishing

• In Phase 1, fishing trips are limited to two clients from the same household. In Phase 2, two house holds and a total of eight clients can be on the same trip.
• Passengers and crew members must wear masks or face coverings on the boats.
• Each boat must allow six feet of rail between each fisher for social distancing.
• Overnight boats are allowed in Phase 2.
• Regularly disinfect all fishing gear and life-jackets.

Go-Cart Tracks, OVR/Motocross Facilities, and other Participant-only Motorsports

• In Phase 1, only one-on-one instruction is allowed. Phase 2 lifts that restriction.
• In Phase 1, no spectators are allowed beyond household members who came together.
• Riders must leave the facility immediately after they are done.

Eight Washington counties have been approved to enter phase two early, the remainder are expected to enter Phase 2 by June 1. Phase 2 will also bring back restaurants, bars, retailers and manufacturers.

The full guidance from the governor can be found here.