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By Office of the Governor | Press Release

JULY 28, 2020 — Gov. Jay Inslee today released an additional guidance document following last week’s announcement of guidance updates in Washington’s Safe Start phased reopening plan following the extension of the proclamation. 

Also, Inslee today extended the pause indefinitely on counties moving ahead in the Safe Start Washington plan.

Gatherings

Effective July 20, 2020, gatherings are not to exceed ten (10) individuals in Phase 3. The existing limitation of five (5) individuals in Modified Phase 1 and Phase 2 is unchanged. For purposes of this memorandum and Washington’s Safe Start Plan, the definition of “gatherings” is likewise unchanged.

The limitations on gatherings do not apply to religious practices, weddings, funerals, business activities, or any other activity covered separately by a Governor-issued memorandum or safety plan.

For any Governor-issued order that expressly refers to the gathering limitations, the new Phase 3 limitation on gatherings will govern.

Live Entertainment

Effective July 20, 2020, all live entertainment is prohibited except performances outdoors for members of the same household where social distancing of a minimum of 10 feet is always maintained from the entertainer and facial coverings are worn by all individuals. “Live

entertainment” refers to any activity in which an individual or individuals perform for an audience of an individual or individuals, where all are physically present. This prohibition applies without regard to the nature or location of the event, whether or not the performer receives compensation, and whether the performer is featured or in the background. This prohibition does not apply to household members within their own homes.

For purposes of this memorandum, “live entertainment” encompasses:

1. All musical performances, including but not limited to, group acts, soloists, and disc jockeys;
2. All stage productions, including but not limited to, theater, dancing, comedy, poetry, acrobatics, performance art, animal stunts, and adult entertainment;
3. Any combination of the activities above; and
4. All substantially similar activities.

Additional Changes to the Safe Start Plan

Effective July 30, 2020, the following changes to the Safe Start Plan will apply:

Restaurants, Taverns, Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

1. Alcohol service, including beer, wine, and spirits, service must end at 10:00 p.m.
2. Vending and other game areas, including billiards, darts, and video games, are prohibited.
3. In Phase 3, table size is reduced to five (5) individuals, and occupancy is reduced to 50 percent.
4. Bar-area seating is prohibited in all phases.
5. For restaurants, indoor dining at the same table is limited to members of the same household.
6. For purposes of the Safe Start Plan, “bars” are defined as taverns, breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
7. Indoor service at taverns, breweries, wineries, and distilleries is prohibited.
8. If a brewery or winery also has a restaurant license, it may continue restaurant operations pursuant to the safety requirements for dine-in restaurants and taverns.
9. If a temporary structure is erected to provide outdoor service, the structure cannot be enclosed by more than two walls. The limitation on walls applies to both rigid and flexible walls.

Family Entertainment and Recreational Centers

Indoor family entertainment and recreational centers, including miniature golf, putt putt, bowling alleys, indoor go-karts, arcades, and substantially similar activities, are prohibited.

Card Rooms

Indoor card rooms are prohibited.

Movie Theaters

Indoor movie theaters are prohibited until Phase 3. In Phase 3, indoor movie theaters are limited to a capacity of 25 percent.

Effective August 10, 2020, the following changes to the Governor’s Memorandum on Phase 1, 2, and 3 Religious Weddings and Funerals will apply in all phases regardless of venue:

1. Indoor occupancy is limited to 20 percent or 30 people, whichever is less, if and only if six feet of physical distancing between households can be achieved. Outdoor ceremonies are limited to 30 people, and at least six feet of physical distancing between households is required.
2. Consistent with existing guidance, indoor ceremonies are prohibited in Phase 1.
3. Only ceremonies are permitted, and ceremonies must follow all other provisions of the “Religious and Faith-based Organization COVID-19 Requirements.”
4. Receptions are prohibited.

The August 10, 2020, effective date of this section (Secular and Religious Weddings and Funerals) applies only if the event was planned before the date of this memorandum. Any events planned after the date of this memorandum must comply with the above rules starting July 30, 2020.

General questions about how to comply with Proclamations 20-25 through 20-25.6 can be submitted here.

Violations related to Proclamations 20-25 through 20-25.6 can be reported here.

Author: Mario Lotmore