Washington State Adopts New Masking Guidance, Most COVID Business Restrictions Gone by June 30th

Governor Jay Inslee announced Thursday that most business restrictions related to COVID-19 will be lifted statewide June 30th. The move represents a shift from a strategy based on COVID-19 infection-related metrics to a strategy based on vaccinations.

Inslee's announcement comes as COVID cases in the state are continuing to plateau and decline. Inslee stated that if the statewide ICU capacity reaches 90% then a rollback of activities is likely, but if Washington remains on its current course he doesn't believe that will happen.

"That would mean on June 30th we would have full capacity for our restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys, you name it." explained Inslee, "This full reopening can happen earlier, if we obtain 70% of Washingtonians over the age of 16 who have initiated at least their first dose of vaccine before then."

Every county will have the opportunity to move to Phase 3 of the Road to Recovery plan Tuesday, although local health officials still have the ability to move a county back a phase voluntarily.

Currently, more than 50% of adults in Washington are at least partially vaccinated, with more than 40% fully vaccinated. In fact, the six millionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine was recently administered in the state.

The move will not mean a forgiveness of pandemic-related fines accrued by businesses.

Inslee also announced that Washington State will adopt the CDC's updated masking guidelines immediately. The guidance states that a fully vaccinated individual, defined as someone who has seen at least two weeks since their final vaccination, does not need to wear a mask indoors or outdoors, or practice social distancing, in most situations.

The change in masking requirements will not pertain to hospitals, long term care, hospitals, schools, correctional facilities and homeless shelters. The federal order requiring masking on public transportation will also remain in effect.

"Our hope, and there is a reason for this, is it will increase people's interest in fighting COVID because it will give people an additional incentive to get vaccinated," continued Inslee.

Inslee said it will be up to the individual business to make sure unmasked customers are fully vaccinated. Businesses may also continue to require their customers wear masks. The state will not be checking people's vaccination status and will not create any kind of vaccination passport.

Washington will remain under a State of Emergency, and Inslee gave no indication as to when the order might end.