Washington State Department of Health announced this morning that Whatcom County’s application to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the governor’s Safe Start plan had been approved. This change is effective immediately.
Along with Whatcom County, Clark, Okanogan, Pierce, Skagit and Snohomish Counties were also approved. Approved to move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 are Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens and Wahkiakum Counties.
This leaves a total of 5 counties still in Phase 1 plus King County who is in a modified version of Phase 1.
Elements of Phase 2 include:
High-Risk Populations Strongly encouraged, but not required, to stay home unless engaging in Phase 1 or Phase 2 permissible activities Recreation Outdoor recreation involving 5 or fewer people outside your household (camping, beaches, etc.) Gatherings (non-religious) Gather with no more than 5 people outside your household per week Travel Essential travel and limited non-essential travel for Phase 1 and 2 permissible activities Business/Employers able to open (All business will be required to follow safety plans written by the state) –Remaining manufacturing
–Additional construction phases
–In-home/domestic services (nannies, housecleaning, etc.)
–Retail (in-store purchases allowed with restrictions)
–Real estate
–Professional services/office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)
–Personal services (hair and nail salons/barbers, tattoo, etc.)
–Pet grooming
–Restaurants/taverns <50% capacity, table size no larger than 5 (no bar area seating)
–Limited small group fitness
–Drive-in movie theatres
–Library (curbside pick-up)
Businesses approved to open and operate under Phase 2 guidelines must comply with all health and safety requirements outlined in guidance to reopen.
