Changes to COVID-19 Requirements

In order to slow the spread of rapidly increasing COVID cases in Washington State and to ensure that hospital and medical systems are not overwhelmed, a pause has been announced statewide on a number of activities by the Governor’s Office for all counties in Washington State effective November 16, regardless of previous Safe Start phase. The pause is set to continue at least through December 14, 2020.

Changes to the Governor’s Safe Start Guidance are listed below.

• Effective Wednesday, November 18th, for Restaurants and Bars:
  • Indoor dining is closed. Outdoor dining and to-go service are permitted, provided that all outdoor dining must comply with the requirements of the Outdoor Dining Guidance. Table size for outdoor dining is limited to a maximum of five (5) people.
  • If a brewery or winery also has a restaurant permit, it may continue restaurant operations pursuant to the safety requirements for restaurants, including outdoor dining only at this time with five or fewer per table. All menu changes must be preapproved by the Snohomish Health District. For liquor licensees who want to add outdoor seating to their premises, please go to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) website liqouralterations@lcb.wa.gov. 
• Effective Monday, November 16th, for:
  • In-Store Retail - shall be limited to 25 percent of indoor occupancy limits, and common/congregate seating areas and indoor dining facilities such as food courts are closed. "In-store retail" includes grocery stores.
  • Wedding and Funerals - ceremonies are limited to a total of no more than 30 people. Indoor receptions, wakes, or similar gatherings in conjunction with such ceremonies are prohibited.
  • Movie Theaters - closed for indoor service. Drive-in movie theaters are permitted and must continue to follow current drive-in movie theater guidance.
  • Bowling Centers - closed for indoor service.
  • Youth and Adult Sporting Activities - indoor activities and all contests and games are prohibited. Outdoor activities shall be limited to intra-team practices only, with facial coverings required for all coaches, volunteers and athletes at all times.
  • Fitness Facilities and Gyms - closed for indoor operations. Outdoor fitness classes are permitted but are subject to and limited by the outdoor social gathering restriction listed above.

Resources

• Governor's Proclamation and Guidance, November 15, 2020 
• Phase 2 and Phase 3 Restaurant, Tavern, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries COVID-19 Requirements 
• Secretary of Health's Face Covering Order (Amended July 24)
• Safe Start: Business Guidance, County Status, and What's Open