Spokane County officials today received news they’ve been waiting for for weeks.
“Today we were notified by the Washington state Department of Health that Spokane County was granted variance to move into phase two of the governor’s Safe Start plan to reopen Washington," said Regional Health District Administrator Amelia Clark.
Phase two allows groups up to five who don’t live under the same roof to meet for social purposes or to worship. Restaurants and bars can reopen with proper physical distancing, up to 50% of capacity. No seating at the bar allowed. Businesses can reopen if their sectors have specific guidelines from the state. Retail can resume. People in domestic jobs can work in others’ houses. Real estate and professional services companies can reopen, as can hair and nail salons, barbershops, and pet groomers.
“I couldn’t be happier with the timing of all of this," Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward said. "Spokane County is the biggest community in the state to now move forward. So thank you for being Inland Strong."
She says the announcement ensures Spokane is the largest community in the state to be allowed to reopen to a greater extent than much of the rest of Washington. She says the county will monitor its progress and look ahead to the steps needed to move to phase three, which she said will be at least three weeks away.
“This decision to enter into phase two will not only help us to retain businesses here in Spokane County, but also to start the process of attracting new businesses back to this region," said County Commissioner Al French.
The state granted the move despite 31 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the last two days. Clark said the health district will watch those cases and report back to the state about the circumstances.
Spokane is one of four counties allowed today to move to phase two status, joining Adams, Grays Harbor and Lewis.
Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward says the announcement ensures Spokane is the largest community in the state to be allowed to reopen to a greater extent than much of the rest of Washington. She says the county will monitor its progress and look ahead to the steps needed to move to phase three, which she said will be at least three weeks away.
“I couldn’t be happier with the timing of all of this," Woodward said. "Spokane County is the biggest community in the state to now move forward. So thank you for being Inland Strong. We must continue to be Inland Strong and do everything we can to protect ourselves, our neighbors and our community.”
Spokane is one of four counties allowed today to move to phase two status. Adams, Grays Harbor and Lewis are the others.