Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee Sunday night said he will be signing a statewide emergency proclamation Monday to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities.
Restaurant will be allowed to provide take-out and delivery services but no in-person dining will be permitted.
The action is based on “the explosion of COVID-19 in our state and globally,” Inslee said.
The ban will not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies.
“Additionally, all gatherings with over 50 participants are prohibited and all gatherings under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met,” the governor said Sunday night.
“These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the virus,” Inslee said. “I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges.”
The Department of Health, King County announced that the actions will be taken immediately, Inslee said, noting that King County “has been the hotbed of this outbreak and has the largest population center in the state.”
More details will be included in a media briefing Monday morning, the governor said.
This is ridiculous! Are people at grocery stores on the lower class of the totem pole! Why are there no online orders only drive up only. What about your 50 person rule why are the stores not protected. They have to handle sick peoples money and coughing at there registers . Not to mention the anger of people not getting what they want or not having enough employees to handle the masses.
I think all religious church functions should be closed only takes one. To spread it. I not going to church to protect my self and my family and those I see ….
Anybody know what the “previously announced criteria” are that the governor is referencing in his statement: “…all gatherings under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met,” the governor said Sunday night.
Apologies — we forgot to add the link to the previous proclamation: https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-issues-emergency-proclamation-that-limits-large-events-to-minimize-public-health-risk-38b4d79a563d
Thank you Teresa