“Washington state stay-at-home order to be extended through May 31”

By James Drew, The Olympian:

“Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday will extend the stay-at-home order through May 31 to continue the social distancing strategy against the new coronavirus pandemic.

“The extension will ‘allow us to take some initial and immediate steps for reopening,’ the governor said at a Friday press conference.”

“‘I would like to tell you that you can make reservations for June 1, but I can’t. We will have to monitor, assess and adapt,’ he said.”

The four phases are:

* by mid-May, the state will allow retail curbside pickup; automobile sales; and car washes with social distancing restrictions. This would also allow drive-in spiritual services with one household per vehicle, Inslee said.

* additional expansions of outdoor recreation activities, including camping. Small gatherings of five people or less could return; as well as new construction and in-store retail purchases with health restrictions. Barber shops and salons could reopen. Restaurants could reopen with 50 per cent capacity and table size no larger than 5. Some professional services and offices could open up as well, even though teleworking would remain strongly encouraged. Pet care services including grooming could resume.This would expand more

* gatherings to 50 people or less, including sports activities, and would resume non-essential travel. Restaurants could move up to 75 per cent capacity and bars at 25 per cent capacity; gyms and movie theaters could reopen at 50 per cent capacity; retail, libraries, museums and government buildings could reopen. Recreational facilities like pools could open at 50 per cent capacity. Nightclubs and entertainment venues would still not be able to reopen.

* would involve resuming the majority of public interactions. Gatherings of more than 50 people would be allowed, but still while practicing social distancing.

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