WA Releases Phase 2 Rules For Zoos, Chairlifts And Charter Boats

WASHINGTON — Gov. Inslee has released an updated set of guidelines for outdoor recreational activities returning in Phase 2 of his Safe Start plan to reopen the state as the pandemic wanes.

Earlier, Inslee's office released a variety of outdoor recreation guidelines for tennis courts, motocross, fishing and more. The new guidelines have been updated and expanded to include guidance for zoos, chairlifts, gondolas, and charter boats.

As with most of the guidance Inslee's office has put out, the rules start with broad safety measures: rules requiring facilities keep their building and equipment sterilized and have employees wash their hands frequently. Businesses must also give employees enough space for safe social distancing and screen employees for signs of the coronavirus at the start of their shift.

From there, though, the guidelines change depending on the activity.

Here are some highlights from the new regulations:

Zoos

• Zoos are limited to outdoor exhibitions only.
• Visitors must be limited to 25 percent of the zoo's regular capacity.
• Zoos should install signs promoting social distancing and limiting the number of visitors in each area.
• Encourage frequent hand washing and set up additional sanitization stations throughout the zoo. Disinfect counter tops, door knobs and other frequently-touched surfaces, including employee equipment.

Chairlifts and Gondolas

• In both Phase 1 and Phase 2, only members of the same household can ride in the same gondola cabin or chairlift.
• Chairs, gondola cabins, counters and all commonly-touched areas must be regularly sanitized.

Charter Boats

• In Phase 1, boats are limited to guided fishing tours with up to two clients from the same household. In Phase 2, charter boats can return and can carry up to 12 people from up to eight different homes. Boats with eight or more customers must limit themselves to one customer per nine feet of rail space.
• Passengers and crew members must wear masks or face coverings on the boats.
• Overnight boats are allowed in Phase 2, but physical distancing must be maintained between different households. Bunk rooms must be disinfected between trips.
• Regularly disinfect all fishing gear, protective clothing and life-jackets.

The governor's office says the rules and guidelines are being continually reassessed and could be modified on a weekly basis depending on how successful they are at containing the virus. Also being reworked are the criteria to allow larger counties to enter Phase 2 in the first place. Tuesday, officials said it was unlikely that several larger counties, including Snohomish, Pierce and King County, would be able to enter Phase 2 on June 1 as the state had hoped. New guidance on how those counties can move forward is expected sometime this week.

21 counties have already reached Phase 2 by applying and receiving a "variance" from the state to move ahead early. Entering Phase 2 allows retailers, bars and taverns, manufacturers, hair salons, gyms and more to return to work, along with the outdoor recreational activities listed above. Phase 2 also loosens restrictions on non-essential travel so customers can visit the newly-reopened businesses.

Read the full guidance for outdoor recreation here.