Today is the most dangerous public health day in the last 100 years of our state’s history. A pandemic is raging in Washington.

Today, we are taking action to stop it. https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-announces-statewide-restrictions-for-four-weeks-c0b7da87d34e

We are facing a third wave that is more dangerous than any we’ve seen before.

We cannot and will not lose control of this virus.

This is not a result of more testing.
Our hospital occupancy is increasing.
Our test-positivity rate is increasing.

And around the country, hospital systems are beginning to get overwhelmed.

To our workers and businesses - I know this hurts. We do not take lightly the impact of these restrictions.

But this much is clear: We cannot enjoy a full economic recovery before we have gotten this virus under control.

Today, I am announcing another $50 million in aid to help mitigate impacts on businesses and workers, and we fully intend to get that money out – as grants and loans – before the end of the year.

We will bounce back after we make it through this wave of infection.

Today’s announcement does not change our guidance for child care services, nor for K-12 education.

That guidance and its recommendations will remain in place for now.

One thing we don’t need right now is hoarding.

Our supply chain remains strong, and buying up everything in sight only hurts efforts to keep the flow of goods adequate to meet everyone’s needs.

Please be considerate and save some for your neighbors, family and friends.

A pandemic is raging in our state.

Left unchecked, it will overburden our hospitals. Our economic devastation will be prolonged. More Washingtonians will die.

We will not allow this to happen.

That’s why we are acting today.