New Covid-19 Restrictions Issued by Gov. Inslee

Today is another somber day, just like it was back in late March.
 
On Sunday morning, Gov. Jay Inslee announced new guidelines for the fight against the pandemic, and it’s pretty tight.
 
In fact, it kind of feels let the whole state just moved backwards to Phase I of the reopening.
 
While new restrictions don’t take effect until 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, it’s important you know what they are. While the current spike in Covid-19 cases is largely attributed to private social gatherings that are shifting indoors with the fall weather, it’s a setback to business across the state.
 
Inslee’s latest regulations don’t define so-called “essential” businesses, but they do put a bullseye on specific industries. Those that will be hurt the most are restaurants, retail stores, fitness facilities, movie theaters and real estate.
 
The restrictions include:

• No indoor gatherings with people outside your household (except for specialized childcare)
• Outdoor gatherings limited to five outside your household
• No indoor service in restaurants and bars. To-go service and outdoor dining is still permitted (table sizes limited to 5)
• No indoor fitness facilities
• No indoor bowling, event venues, movie theaters, museums, zoos, acquariums
• No real estate open houses
• No wedding or funeral receptions. Ceremonies are permitted but limited to 30 people
• In-store retail limited to 25 percent occupancy. No seating areas or food courts
• Religious services limited to 25 percent indoor occupancy and no more than 200 people. No choir performances, but soloists are permitted. Masks required.
• Professional services must work from home when possible. Offices are restricted to 25 percent occupancy and closed to the public.
• Personal services are limited to 25 percent maximum occupancy
• Long-term care facilities are limited to outdoor visits only, except end-of-life care
• Youth and adult amateur sports limited to outdoor only for intra-team practices, masks required