May 31, 2020
Gov. Jay Inslee today issued his Safe Start proclamation as the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is set to expire tonight at 11:59 PM. The governor announced Safe Start — Washington’s Phased Reopening plan on Friday during a press conference where he detailed the county-by-county approach. Washington will move through the phased reopening county-by-county allowing for flexibility and local control to address COVID-19 activity geographically.
The Pierce County Council voted unanimously on June 1st to apply to advance to the state’s second phase in order to restart our stalled economy.
If approved by state regulators, the move would then allow for all retailers to resume in-store sales along with certain restrictions to allow for social distancing. Restaurants, hair salons, and barbers would also be allowed to resume if they can show they have implemented measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.
Phase 1: Some outdoor recreation is allowed but the state’s ban on large gatherings will remain and only certain businesses, including construction, landscaping, automobile sales, and curb-side pick up for retail sales are permitted.
Phase 2: Outdoor recreation of five or less are permitted along with in-store purchases retailers, with some restrictions, real estate transactions and hair salons and barbers are allowed to resume their operations. Restaurants can re-open provided they can accommodate 50% of their capacity with tables that seat no more than five people.
Phase 3: The size of outdoor groups grows to up to 50 people and non-essential travel is permitted; The capacity of restaurants grows to 70 percent but tables can not seat more than 10 people; movie theaters can reopen.
Phase 4: Public interactions resume with physical distancing; gatherings of more than 50 people are allowed; clubs, concerts, and large sporting events are permitted.
For more information, go to our COVID Resource Page: https://lakewood-chamber.org/lakewood-pierce-county-covid-19-resource-center/