Business as usual finally returns to Main Street
Governor Jay Inslee has announced an end to most pandemic-related business restrictions, although the state of emergency remains in effect.
From the Governor’s announcement (emphasis added):
Effective 12:01 AM on June 30, all industry sectors previously covered by guidance in the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery or the Safe Start Reopening Plan may return to usual capacity and operations, with limited exceptions for large indoor events (any event with more than 10,000 simultaneous participants in an indoor, enclosed space.)
Reopening guidance:
- Vaccine verification/negative testing: Recommended but not required for large indoor and outdoor events
- Capacity limitations: No restrictions in restaurants, bars, stores, businesses, theaters etc. (except large indoor events)
- Physical distancing: No requirements
- Facial coverings: Not required for vaccinated individuals, unless required by individual business
- Travelers: Follow CDC recommendations
*Some exceptions will include schools and childcare centers that will continue to have some facial coverings and physical distancing requirements.
Requirements for places of employment issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries have been updated here. This resource continues to detail options for fully vaccinated workers to go without a mask, methods for verification of worker vaccination status, choices workers have to continue to mask up and other updated guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the job and help employers meet their obligations to provide a safe and healthy workplace.
Please keep in mind that local health officials may impose different or additional requirements. NFIB suggests checking with your local health department for more information. Business owners should also continue to monitor and follow updated guidance issued by the state Department of Labor & Industries.
