Last night Governor Jay Inslee extended his Stay Home – Stay Healthy order through May 4, 2020. The order, which was issued to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), was originally in effect through April 6, 2020. The order prevents individuals from leaving home unless they engage in essential activities or essential business services. Unless extended again, non-essential businesses may reopen on May 5, 2020.
An additional development for employers to be aware of is that on March 31, 2020, the governor published updated guidance, further clarifying Washington businesses deemed essential under the governor’s Stay Home – Stay Healthy order. This update expands the governor’s original Essential Critical Infrastructure List, adding certain business activities in the automotive, energy, food and agriculture, health care, in-home care, maintenance, recreation, real estate, and retail industries.
Tips: Monitor the state’s Coronavirus Response for Business and Workers to help guide your decision-making. If you stay open as an essential business, ensure that you enforce social distancing guidelines to the extent possible. See our Model Policy, Social Distancing Policy.