King County Is Safe In Phase 3, With Future Rollbacks Unlikely

SEATTLE — King County is not at risk for seeing new restrictions when a statewide pause ends next week and is unlikely to encounter any rollbacks before Washington fully reopens next month. Earlier this week, King County's health officer confirmed another 20 percent drop in daily case counts and a 27 percent decline in hospital admissions.

On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee highlighted similar progress seen on the statewide level and announced Washington would drop nearly all business and social restrictions by June 30. Reopening may also arrive sooner if Washington reaches the 70 percent mark for residents 16 and older who have at least their first dose of vaccine. Right now, the statewide rate for that group is about 57 percent, while King County is already past the mark.

The governor's announcement also included news that all counties would be eligible for Phase 3 on Tuesday, May 18, including those that previously had to roll back. The state enacted a two-week pause in phase changes on May 4, sparing King County from reverting to Phase 2. Washington will now use a "consistent statewide pattern" for restrictions until June 30, Inslee said.

"Almost two weeks age we paused our Health Washington reopening plan to allow further review of the changes that were occurring in COVID activity," Inslee said. "The pause was consistent with our strategy that has been successful to date, of always being willing to review and be very adept and quick in the response against this wily beast."

Since then, case counts and hospitalizations have plateaued in much of the state and continue to decline in King County, as more younger people become fully immunized. Even though King County's current metrics remain slightly above both Phase 3 thresholds, Inslee's updated rules mean it is safe in Phase 3, barring anything unexpected.

The only remaining trigger that could spur a rollback, Inslee said, is a statewide ICU capacity at or above 90 percent. Right now, Washington's 7-day ICU occupancy rate sits at 81 percent. Local health officials also retain the authority to enact restrictions until June 30, but there is no indication that will be necessary.

Washington's latest rules include a few immediate changes for people who are already fully vaccinated, meaning at least two weeks beyond their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson. Residents in that category can now ditch their face coverings in most indoor and outdoor settings, though businesses can still require them voluntarily and ask for proof of vaccination, Inslee said.

More activities are also allowed, including full capacity at large events, provided attendees are fully vaccinated. Large venues may expand their fully-vaccinated seating sections without limits.