MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Gov. Inslee allows more counties to apply for Phase 2 reopening

May 19, 2020, 11:31 AM | Updated: 11:37 am

Gov. Jay Inslee...

Gov. Jay Inslee. (TVW)

(TVW)

In a Tuesday press conference, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that he will be loosening the requirements for counties looking to enter into Phase 2 of reopening.

Why Jefferson County is not applying for Phase 2 right away

As of Tuesday, 10 counties have been approved for a Phase 2 variance, based on their population and the lower prevalence of new COVID-19 cases. Inslee’s new criteria makes it so an additional 10 counties are now eligible as well.

Under the new regulations, counties can now apply for a variance if they have fewer than 10 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week span. Those standards are consistent with the CDC’s own guidelines.

The 10 counties that have already received approval to enter into Phase 2 early include: Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Whitman, Lincoln, Columbia, Garfield, Skamania, Wahkiakum, and Asotin counties.

Counties now eligible to apply under the expanded criteria include: Spokane, Adams, Mason, Thurston, Lewis, Clark, Clallam, Kitsap, Island, and San Juan counties.

Inslee hopes this will provide these counties with “more economic opportunity, while still providing protections we need for our citizens.” That being so, he warned residents in other parts of Washington to avoid traveling to take advantage of restaurants, barbershops, and more that are allowed to reopen in Phase 2.

As WA outbreak wanes, there’s only one ‘real solution’ to reopening

“As we open up some of our counties, it really is important for people not to overload those smaller communities in their restaurants and otherwise,” Inslee noted. “It’s really a time to remain close to home.”

“We have flattened the curve, but this continues to haunt us and affect our communities,” he added. “I hope people do enjoy one part joy and celebration, and two parts responsibility.”

Gov. Inslee also announced Tuesday that the state will soon be distributing $10 million in small business grants. That money will be dispersed across 501 recipients in 20 counties, including retail, restaurants, construction, hospitality, hair salons, fitness studios, and theaters.

MyNorthwest News

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize up for grabs after $1.1B Mega Millions ticket sold

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $865 million ahead of Wednesday night's drawing.

7 hours ago

Photo: The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center....

James Lynch

King County’s plan to close youth detention center met with fierce backlash

The King County Law and Justice Committee received a final report on Executive Dow Constantine's plan to close a youth detention center.

9 hours ago

Image: A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after ...

Associated Press

Authorities identify 2 bodies recovered at site of Baltimore bridge collapse

A major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

10 hours ago

Photo: Mountaineer Jim Whittaker has died at 95....

Gene Johnson, The Associated Press

Lou Whittaker, among the most famous American mountaineers, has died at age 95

Lou Whittaker, a legendary American mountaineer who helped lead ascents of Mount Everest, K2 and Denali, has died at age 95.

11 hours ago

File photo: Former Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks in Washington on Jan. 18, 2024....

Associated Press

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in 2000, has died.

11 hours ago

Image: A Tacoma teen was shot outside her Tacoma Hilltop area apartment over the weekend....

Heather Bosch

Estranged boyfriend suspected in Tacoma teen’s death turns himself in

We're learning more about the man who's accused of fatally shooting a teenager outside her Tacoma Hill Top area apartment over the weekend.

12 hours ago

Gov. Inslee allows more counties to apply for Phase 2 reopening