Safe Start Washington & Other Reopening Resources

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On May 1, Governor Inslee announced an extension of his existing Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order through May 31 and unveiled Safe Start Washington, a four-phase plan that will be used to stage the gradual reopening of businesses and facilities statewide. Each phase will last for at least three weeks in order to gather health data and evaluate continued advances.

It is crucial to maintain some level of community interventions to suppress the spread of COVID-19 throughout all phases of recovery until there is an effective vaccine, effective treatment, or herd immunity. Each phase, while allowing for additional services to open and return to full capacity, is grounded in required practices for all employers.

This page compiles resources intended to assist local businesses in safely reopening through the state's phased approach. Check back often for more resources.

Safe Start Washington: A Phased Approach to Recovery

Infographic detailing the four phases outlined in the Safe Start Washington plan

Industry-Specific Guidelines

Below we link to the industry-specific guidelines issued by Governor Inslee's office. Don't see your business's industry listed? That may mean that the Governor has not published guidelines for your specific industry yet. We will update this listing as soon as guidelines become available.

Car Wash Services	Phase One Guidance Memorandum on Car Wash Industry Reopening Guidelines
Construction	For guidance related to Construction, visit our COVID-19 Response Construction Info page
Domestic Services	Phase Two Guidance
Drive-In Theaters Movie Theaters Miscellaneous Venues	Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Drive-In Theater Reopening Guidelines NEW Phase Two Guidance UPDATED Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Miscellaneous Venue Reopening Guidelines in Phase 2 and Phase 3
Fitness & Training	Modified Phase One Guidance Phase 1.5 Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island) Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Fitness & Training Industry Reopening Guidelines FAQs about Additional Guidance Phase Two Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island)
Landscaping Services & Outdoor Maintenance	Phase One Guidance Memorandum on Landscape Services & Outdoor Maintenance Guidelines
Library Services	Phase One Guidance: Washington Talking Book and Braille Library Memorandum on Reopening Washington Talking Book and Braille Library Phase Two Guidance: Curbside Library Services Memorandum on Partially Resuming Library Services UPDATED Phase Two Guidance
Manufacturing	Modified Phase One Guidance Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Resuming Additional Manufacturing Operations
Medical Services	Proclamation on Resuming Non-Urgent Medical and Dental Procedures
Outdoor Recreation & Sporting Activities	Outdoor Recreation Phase One and Phase Two Guidance Guidance for specific activities UPDATED Phase Two: Biking, Running, Cross Country Skiing, Non-Motorized Boating, etc. Modified Phase One: Miniature Golf, Putt Putt Golf, & Staffed Water Recreation Facilities Phase One: Golf Phase Two: Golf Sporting Activities UPDATED Phases Two and Three Guidance
Personal Services	Modified Phase One Guidance Modified Phase One Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island) Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Personal Services Industry Reopening Guidelines Phase Two Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island)
Pet Grooming	Modified Phase One Guidance Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Pet Grooming Industry Reopening Guidelines
Pet Walking	Phase One Guidance Memorandum on Pet Walking Industry Reopening Guidelines Modified Phase One Guidance
Professional Photography	Modified Phase One Guidance Phase Two Guidance
Professional Services	Modified Phase One Guidance Modified Phase One Occupancy Load County Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Professional Service Industry Reopening Guidelines Phase Two Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island)
Real Estate	Modified Phase One Guidance UPDATED Phases Two and Three Guidance Memorandum on Real Estate Industry Reopening Guideline
Religious, Spiritual, & Faith-Based Services	Phases One-Three Guidance Memorandum on Conducting Religious, Spiritual, & Faith-Based Drive-in Service FAQ for for Religious and Faith-Based Organizations from Public Health - Seattle & King County
Restaurants	Modified Phase One Guidance Modified Phase One Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island) UPDATED Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Partially Resuming the Dine-in Restaurant & Tavern Industry Updated Guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County Phase Two Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet issued by City of Mercer Island
Retail	Curbside Guidance Phase One Guidance Memorandum on Curbside Retail & E-Commerce Reopening Guidelines Resuming Limited In-Store Retail Operations Guidance Modified Phase One Guidance Modified Phase One Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island) Phase Two Guidance Memorandum on Partially Resuming Limited In-Store Retail Operations Modified Phase Two Occupancy Load Count Help Sheet (issued by City of Mercer Island)
Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services	UPDATEDPhases Two and Three Guidance
Vehicle & Vessel Sales	Phase One COVID-19 Requirements: Vehicle & Vessel Sales FAQs on Vehicle & Vessel Sales Memorandum on Vehicle & Vessel Sales Reopening Guidelines

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Other Useful Reopening Resources

Federal & State Guidelines

Federal Guidelines: Guidelines for Opening Up America Again
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: General Requirements and Prevention Ideas for Workplaces
Washington State Department of Health: Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations

Reopening Toolkits and Databases

Getting to Safe Guide by City of Everett and partners: https://bit.ly/gettingtosafe
Back to Work Toolkit developed by Madrona Venture Group and regional partners: https://www.backtoworktoolkit.com/
Rebound and Recovery website from Association for Washington Businesses: https://www.reboundandrecovery.org/ **Includes the PPE Connect Portal**
Recovery Resource Hub WA from Seattle Metropolitan Chamber: https://www.recoverywa.com/

Industry-Specific Resources

Existing Guidelines for Partial Restart of Construction: https://letstalk.mercergov.org/coronavirus-construction
National Restaurant Association: COVID-19 Reopening Guidance

Webinar Recordings

The City of Mercer Island wants to support local businesses during this uncertain time. Contact Sarah Bluvas, Small Business Liaison, at sarah.bluvas@mercergov.org to let us know how we can help.

COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated.

See the CDC's COVID website for current information and trends.