WASHINGTON: State will transition to regional reopening approach

Governor Jay Inslee has announced that Washington will move from a county to a regional reopening approach during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, beginning on January 11, 2021. The “Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery” plan divides the state into eight geographic regions and initially provides for two levels of reopening: Phase 1 and Phase 2. It appears that all regions will begin in Phase 1, although the Department of Health (DOH) will calculate metrics for each region starting on Friday, January 8, and each Friday thereafter, with changes in regional phases effective on the following Monday of each week.

Tips: The two new phases focus on social, recreational, and entertainment activities, but also include parameters for organizations providing professional services or operating retail stores.  This means most employers will need to continue following the industry specific guidance found on the Governor’s COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers page. If you’re uncertain what requirements apply to your business, contact your Vigilant safety professional.