As cases of COVID-19 continue to increase across the state, Gov. Jay Inslee and Sec. of Health John Wiesman today announced a new limit on social gatherings and a ban on live entertainment across the state.

“The steps are necessary to slow down the spread of COVID-19. The unfortunate truth is that we can’t let our guard down, even as we engage in more activities,” Inslee said during a press conference Thursday. “As we inch closer to the fall, we are already on an unsustainable path in the spread of this virus. We have to change to save lives and to avoid turning the dial back further on the activities we enjoy.”

New Phase 3 Guidlines
Under the new Safe Start phase limits, the number of individuals allowed in social gatherings during Phase 3 will be reduced from 50 people to 10 people. Counties in Phase 2 may continue to have social gatherings of up to five people.

Additionally, the governor and secretary announced a prohibition on all live entertainment, indoor or outdoor, statewide. This includes drive-in concerts, comedy clubs and music in restaurants.

The orders go into effect Monday, July 20.

Additional Proclamations
Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of three proclamations today including visitation and remedial services, shared work, and temporary licensing for dental and pharmacy graduates. A July 14 letter from the Legislature extends proclamations 20-33.7, 20-58 and 20-59 until August 1.

Visitation and Remedial Services – 20-33.8

  • This proclamation continues to suspend requirements that DCYF facilitate in-person visits for foster children with family and caseworkers, and continues to waive requirements that DCYF provide remedial services for children in DCYF custody.

Shared Work – 20-58.1

  • This proclamation waives/suspends the statute that requires shared work benefits to be paid by employers, thereby allowing federal CARES Act funding to be used to pay for the employer portion of shared work benefits.

Temporary Licensing – Dental and Pharmacy Graduates – 20-59.1

  • Due to the impact of COVID on the inability of recent dental, dental hygiene, and pharmacy graduates to meet statutory licensing requirements, this proclamation allows dental hygiene and pharmacy graduates to obtain a temporary license if certain conditions are met.

Phase 3 Business Activity Guidelines

· Template for Phase 3 Businesses  – Issued June 5

· Religious and Faith Organizations – issued May 27 (Updated June 18)

· Sporting Activities – issued June 5

· Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services – issued June 18