UW report predicts Washington could potentially ease COVID-19 restrictions by mid-May

SEATTLE, Wash. — New research from the University of Washington’s Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) suggests the rate of COVID-19 infection in Washington may be low enough to begin gradually reopening the economy by mid-May. 

The model provides a breakdown of when infections have the potential to drop below one per million people in each state. 

According to the report, if Washingtonians continue to social distance, the state could begin to reopen as soon as May 18, with continued containment strategies in place. 

Those strategies include making sure testing is available in the state and health officials have the capacity to implement contact tracing and isolate those who test positive. Gathering sizes would also continue to be limited, according to the model. 

For Idaho, which has less reported COVID-19 deaths, the model shows the state could potentially begin to reopen by May 11. 

At a recent press conference, Washington Governor Jay Inslee said the state’s rate of infection has plateaued, but continued access to testing and implementation of contact tracing are necessary to see a decrease in the future.

READ: Gov. Inslee says it’s ‘unknowable’ when the economy will reopen 

You can read the full report HERE.

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