Reopening paused indefinitely as infection rates rise

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Gov. Jay Inslee announced via proclamation that the statewide pause for counties looking to advance from their current stage of COVID-19 economic reopening will continue indefinitely.

The extension, announced July 28, comes only days after Inslee tightened restrictions throughout the state for indoor activities in a further effort to stem an ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases and is the second time the pause has been extended since first implemented earlier this month.

Additionally, Inslee released an additional guidance document following last week's announcement of guidance updates in Washington's "Safe Start" phased reopening plan.

GATHERINGS

According to the July 28 memo, gatherings are not to exceed 10 individuals in Phase 3. The existing limitation of five individuals in Modified Phase 1 and Phase 2 is unchanged.

However, the limitations on gatherings "do not apply to religious practices, weddings, funerals, business activities, or any other activity covered separately by a Governor-issued memorandum or safety plan."

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

All live entertainment is prohibited except performances outdoors for members of the same household where social distancing of a minimum of 10 feet is always maintained from the entertainer and facial coverings are worn by all individuals.

“Live entertainment," according the latest gubernatorial memo, refers to any activity in which an individual or individuals perform for an audience of an individual or individuals, where all are physically present.

This prohibition applies without regard to the nature or location of the event, whether or not the performer receives compensation, and whether the performer is featured or in the background.

Specifically, the memo lists the following as being considered "live entertainment":  all musical performances, including but not limited to, group acts, soloists, and disc jockeys; all stage productions, including but not limited to, theater, dancing, comedy, poetry, acrobatics, performance art, animal stunts, and adult entertainment; any combination of the activities above; and all substantially similar activities.

RESTAURANTS, TAVERNS, BREWERIES, WINERIES AND DISTILLERIES

According to the memo, alcohol service, including beer, wine, and spirits, service must end at 10 p.m.

Vending and other game areas — including billiards, darts, and video games — are still prohibited.

In Phase 3, table size is reduced to five individuals, and occupancy is reduced to 50 percent, though bar-area seating is prohibited in all phases.

For restaurants, indoor dining at the same table is limited to members of the same household.

For purposes of the "Safe Start" plan, “bars” are defined as taverns, breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Indoor service at taverns, breweries, wineries, and distilleries is prohibited.

If a brewery or winery also has a restaurant license, it may continue restaurant operations pursuant to the safety requirements for dine-in restaurants and taverns.

If a temporary structure is erected to provide outdoor service, the structure cannot be enclosed by more than two walls.

OTHER CHANGES

Indoor family entertainment and recreational centers, including miniature golf, bowling alleys, indoor go-karts, arcades, and substantially similar activities, are prohibited.

Indoor card rooms are prohibited.

Indoor movie theaters are prohibited until Phase 3, when they are limited to a capacity of 25 percent.

RELIGIOUS WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS

According to the July 28 memo: "Effective Aug. 10, 2020, the following changes to the Governor’s Memorandum on Phase 1, 2, and 3 Religious Weddings and Funerals will apply in all phases regardless of venue:

"a. Indoor occupancy is limited to 20 percent or 30 people, whichever is less, if and only if six feet of physical distancing between households can be achieved. Outdoor ceremonies are limited to 30 people, and at least six feet of physical distancing between households is required.

"b. Consistent with existing guidance, indoor ceremonies are prohibited in Phase 1.

"c. Only ceremonies are permitted, and ceremonies must follow all other provisions of the 'Religious and Faith-based Organization COVID-19 Requirements.'

"d. Receptions are prohibited."

The Aug. 10 effective date of the "Religious weddings and funerals" section ("Secular and Religious Weddings and Funerals") applies only if the event was planned before the date of this memorandum.

Any events planned after July 28 must comply with the updated rules, starting July 30.