Washington State’s Four-Phase Plan for Reopening Businesses

Since early March we’ve all been affected adversely by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Businesses have been forced to close, schools are shut down for the remainder of the school year, and social distancing is the “new normal”.

Large groups have been forbidden to gather, whether for entertainment purposes or even weddings and funerals. With the Washington death toll approaching 1,000, this has caused heartache for people who have lost loved ones to this terrible disease.

But, there’s hope on the horizon. State government officials have recently release a four-stage phase-in plan to get us back to something approaching normal activity.

Phase One

Phase One began May 5th, when businesses such as construction, landscaping and curb-side retail outlets could once again resume. Some outdoor recreational activities such as boating, fishing and hunting were allowed, but stay-at-home orders for high-risk groups were still mandated.

While the timing of other elements of the phase-in are not set, Governor Jay Inslee has suggested that each phase might last about three weeks. He has estimated that Phase One will go through May 31st and will be evaluated at that time; if infection rates are continuing to reduce then the State may move into Phase Two about June 1st.

Phase Two

Phase Two would relax some of the restrictions, allowing all outdoor recreational activities of fewer than five individuals. Gatherings of less than five people would allowed. Activities such as campgrounds and beaches would reopen. Businesses such as real estate, hair and nail salons, barbers and professional services could open their doors. Restaurants could open for dining at 50% capacity or less.

Phase Three

Phase Three might be allowed by the end of June, if the virus continues to go down. Gatherings of up to 50 people would be OK, and outdoor sports could resume with less than 50 attendees. Restaurants could increase capacity to up to 75% with table sizes no greater than 10. Bars could open with limited capacity (less than 25%). LIbraries, museums and most businesses could operate, as long as less than 50 people were together.