Governor Inslee Extends Stay Home Order to May 4

UPDATED

Apr 2, 2020 - The Governor has extended his "Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order" through May 4. See press release here.

Mar 23, 2020 - Governor Inslee announced further statewide measures designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak across Washington State.

Effective immediately, this new “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order legally requires all residents to curtail all social activity, and bans ALL gatherings of any size, public or private.

Within 48 hours it also closes all businesses except those deemed essential. Essential businesses allowed to stay open (with appropriate protective measures) include emergency services, childcare, supermarkets, pharmacies, groceries, food pantries, pet supply, transportation, financial services, and local government.

The new ban also does not limit take-out meals, food delivery, and drive-thru food/beverage services - please continue to support your favorite local restaurants.

Exercise and other outdoor activities are considered critical for their physical and mental benefits; therefore pursuits such as walking, gardening, bicycle rides, are all permitted as long as 6 feet of social distancing is in place.

In the coming days, the Governor’s office will provide additional clarifying information that is expected to answer many of the most frequently asked questions generated by tonight’s announcement. Please check the City’s Coronavirus website for future updates.

The Governor’s new order builds on previous restrictions that already prohibited any gatherings of more than 50 people statewide and significantly restricted events of less than 50 people.

"With no treatment or vaccine, the single most important thing all of us must do is to stay home and avoid all non-essential contact with others, " according to Public Health – Seattle & King County

While staying home is challenging, we all can assume that we might be carrying the virus, and we could be spreading the infection any time we have close contact with someone. With that in mind, Public Health officials state that everyone should stay at home as much as they can (except for exercise needs) and limit shopping trips to only the most essential items.