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THREAD: Gov. Inslee will speak at 11 a.m., alongside local elected officials, as he's expected to announce new restrictions on indoor dining, retail capacity, and gatherings amid rising coronavirus cases.
Watch live here, or follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/WaStateGov/videos/697534500884217
Watch live here, or follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/WaStateGov/videos/697534500884217
"Today, Nov. 15, 2020, I have to report to Washingtonians, is the most dangerous public health day in over 100 years in our state's great history," Inslee says.
"Inaction here is not an option. We have to take bold, decisive action, and we're doing that today," Inslee says.
Inslee says preliminary numbers indicate the state will set another record for coronavirus cases today.
"We are today in a more dangerous position than we were in March, when our first stay-at-home order was issued," Inslee says, noting both the spread of the virus across the state and country, and the looming winter months.
NEW: Inslee announces indoor social gatherings with people outside your home are prohibited, unless they quarantine for 14 days prior to the gathering, or for seven days and receive a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 48 hours prior to the gathering.
NEW: Outdoor gatherings are limited to five people.
Restaurants and bars are closed for indoor service. Outdoor dining with capacity restrictions, and take-out service may continue.
Restaurants and bars are closed for indoor service. Outdoor dining with capacity restrictions, and take-out service may continue.
NEW: In-store retail will be limited to 25 percent of occupancy, and congregate areas must be closed (i.e. food courts).
Religious services limited to 25 percent of indoor capacity, or 200 people, whichever is less and choirs, bands, & ensembles are prohibited from performing.
Religious services limited to 25 percent of indoor capacity, or 200 people, whichever is less and choirs, bands, & ensembles are prohibited from performing.
"The decisions we have made have been based on science, the science of this virus, the science of what conditions lead to its transmission, and the recognition of what works, because we've done these things before, quite frankly," Inslee says.
"The COVID pandemic is not just a public health crisis, it is an economic crisis as well, and how we have fashioned a plan needs to recognize both of those things. We cannot take lightly the impact on businesses in this regard," Inslee says.
"To the business owners and the employees right now, I want you to know, you're not alone. You have seven million people, we're going to look for every way to help you through this difficult time," Inslee says.
NEW: Inslee commits another $50 million to mitigation measures for impacts on businesses and employees via grants and loans before the end of the year.
"We fully intend to get that money out as soon as possible."
"We fully intend to get that money out as soon as possible."
"The current trajectory of this pandemic has put us in a really difficult position as a state ... We don't make these decisions lightly," says State Health Officer Kathy Lofy.
"We are extremely concerned about how quickly COVID-19 is spreading through our state."
"We are extremely concerned about how quickly COVID-19 is spreading through our state."
