Washington Will Fully Reopen By June 30 Or Earlier: Inslee

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington state will lift all COVID-19 restrictions on businesses and social activities by the end of June, and potentially even earlier, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday. The governor pointed to a sustained decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and steady progress in getting more Washingtonians vaccinated.

"On June 30, a huge number of our restrictions will be removed, the ones people will be familiar with at restaurants and gyms and the like," Inslee said. "We're very pleased to be able to announce this. We have more work to do, but this should give us a good path forward in reopening our state."

The governor said he could lift all restrictions earlier than June 30, but only if at least 70 percent of Washingtonians 16 or older had received at least the first dose. Right now, among that group, 57 percent of Washington is at least partially vaccinated and 43 percent are fully immunized.

"What we know now gives us the confidence to close this chapter in this pandemic and begin another," Inslee said. "This next part of our fight to save lives in Washington will focus on increasing vaccination rates and continuing to monitor variants of concern as we move toward reopening our state."

The governor said lifting restrictions does not mean the full end of the public health emergency, and the reopening status could change if the state's ICU capacity hits 90 percent at any point.

All counties can enter Phase 3 on May 18

Another element of the transition away from restrictions on behavior and into a vaccination-based strategy arrives on Tuesday when all counties will have the option to be in Phase 3, including those who may still not qualify under the existing metrics. The change means King County will not be at-risk for rolling back, and Pierce County will be able to boost indoor capacity back up to 50 percent.

"The basic bottom line of this is that our state, most of our businesses, will stay at 50 percent capacity for most indoor activities," Inslee said. "But on June 30, that will be lifted and go back to 100 percent."

According to the governor, each county's health officials will retain authority to keep more restrictions until June 30, if deemed necessary.

Washington adopts CDC mask guidance, with some flexibility

During Thursday's briefing, Inslee also confirmed that fully vaccinated Washingtonians can immediately ditch their masks in most indoor and outdoor settings. The guidance applies to any person who is at least two weeks beyond receiving their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Inslee said businesses will continue to be permitted by law to require masks for employees and customers if they choose, and they can legally ask patrons for proof of vaccination. There are no plans to institute a state-sanctioned "vaccine passport" program, Inslee said.

Right now, the loosened mask restrictions will not apply in health care settings, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, homeless shelters or schools, Inslee said. A separate federal order still requires masks on public transit.

More activities allowed immediately for fully vaccinated Washingtonians

An added incentive for fully immunized people is effective immediately, with no more spectator limits at sporting events in vaccinated sections, and small cruises setting sail with up to 250 passengers. The updated guidance also allows for full capacity conferences, live performances, weddings and funerals.

Asked about the recently announced lottery program in Ohio, Inslee said he was also "giving some thought" to adding more financial incentives to get Washington's immunization rates past the finish line and may have some announcements next week.

The governor concluded Thursday's briefing by underlining the significance of the milestone in the fight against COVID-19, with Washington finally within striking distance of normalcy.

"This has been one of the most remarkable days in our state's history [after] a long, year-and-a-half struggle," Inslee said. "A day when we free ourselves largely from these business restrictions, when we can free ourselves from masks if we get vaccinated. All it takes is a simple vaccination; that's going to see us through."