Gov. Inslee extends Washington’s stay home order through May 31, details 4-phase reopening plan

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Jay Inslee announced Friday that Washington will take a four-phase approach to reopen and will remain under the current stay home order through May 31.

“The new normal is not here yet,” Inslee said during a press conference.

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Inslee said there appears to be a reduction in the rates of infection, but said that could change if the state abandoned its social distancing measures today.

The governor said that the state will begin a four-phase approach that will gradually reopen Washington’s economy, with phase 1 essentially May 5, the day initial restrictions (fishing, some outdoor recreation) will be lifted.

By May 15, there will be protocols in place for changes in phase 1, like reopening curbside retail, landscaping and carwashes.

Phase 1

Inslee said phase 1 will look similar to the current restrictions with some minor changes. This phase will include the reopening of the following:

• Retail curbside pickup
• Automobile sales
• Car washes
• Drive-in spiritual services with one household per vehicle
• Additional outdoor activities

Phase 2

In phase 2, there will be additional expansions of outdoor activities and some services can resume with larger groups. This phase will include the reopening of the following:

• Camping
• Small gatherings of five people
• New construction
• Indoor retail
• Barber shops and hair salons
• Restaurants at 50 percent capacity, with table size no larger than 5 people
• Some professional services and offices
• Pet care services

Phase 3

Phase 3 brings larger gatherings. This phase will include the reopening of the following:

• Gatherings of 50 people
• Gyms at 50 percent capacity
• Libraries
• Recreational facilities, pools and some sporting events

Phase 4

This phase would involve resuming the majority of public interactions. This phase will include the reopening of the following:

• Gatherings of more than 50 people while practicing social distancing
• Restaurants at full capacity
• Nightclubs
• Concert venues

“I have said that our return to normal will still not look the way things did before this virus until we have pharmaceutical interventions such as a vaccine,” Inslee said.

Inslee said data and public health information will determine when the state is ready to move from one phase to the next.

“I do not expect to see any movement for at least three weeks between each phase,” Inslee said.

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