What is an “Essential” Business?

Governor’s order shutters businesses statewide March 26, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has issued a “Stay at Home – Stay Healthy” Proclamation (executive order) effective midnight, Wednesday, March 25, 2020, through midnight, April 6. Basically, this is similar to the shelter-in-place directives already imposed in more than a dozen other states.

Among other things, the Proclamation requires closure of all “non-essential” businesses. “Essential” businesses are encouraged to remain open so long as social-distancing and enhanced sanitation measures can be implemented. Those businesses are expected to comply with specific OSHA guidance and state Department of Health recommendations.

So, what is an “essential” business? A full list of “essential” business and workforce descriptions is available here. It includes business operations such as (partial list):

Auto supplies and repair
Banking and financial services
Childcare facilities
Farm and other agricultural operations, including veterinary services, food processing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution
Gas stations and truck stops
Grocery stores and pharmacies, including farmers markets, convenience stores, and retail or liquor stores selling food products
Hardware and home improvement, garden stores and nurseries that support food cultivation and production
Health care facilities
Home appliance retailers
Laundromats and laundry services
Office supply stores that support working-from-home
Pet food and supply stores
Professional services, such as legal or accounting and tax preparation services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities and critical sector services
Restaurants providing carry out, delivery, or quick service operations
Transportation and logistics
Utility providers, maintenance, operations support, and related activities

To clarify your business status, or to petition to be added to the list, please email: [email protected].

Other State Resources

Washington State Coronavirus Response page, includes statistics, news, general information, and links to various state and federal programs

Department of Labor & Industries coronavirus page provides summary information and links related to workplace safety and health, paid sick and safe leave, workers’ compensation, and regional office status

Department of Revenue’s business relief information related to tax filing obligations, extensions, late filings, penalties and interest, payment plans, audits, and business licensing

Financial resource information on topics such as banking; problems making credit card, mortgage, rent, or utility payments

Information for employers facing shutdowns, slowdowns, layoffs, other reductions in force or hours

Information for workers regarding unemployment, reduction in hours, standby, shared work

State Paid Family & Medical Leave

State Paid Sick & Safe Leave

Workers’ compensation for health care workers and first responders exposed to COVID-19 on the job

NFIB National Link
www.nfib.com/coronavirus

All of NFIB’s coronavirus-related national news, resources, webinars, and federal lobbying efforts can be found in one place, www.nfib.com/coronavirus. A sample of the information you will find there includes:

NFIB’s Guide to New Federal Relief
— Paycheck Protection Program
— Summary of Forgivable Loans
— U.S. Treasury Department links program overview and information sheet for borrowers
— U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
— Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) or Paycheck Protection Program Loan (PPPL)? Check out NFIB’s side-by-side comparison chart
— SBA Loan Deferment