(TVW)
Governor Inslee announced on Thursday that the state will have five additional regions moving from Phase 1 to Phase 2 reopening, starting February 14. The governor originally announced that the change would take effect on Monday, February 15, but later changed to Sunday, February 14
Governor Inslee announces change in reopening criteria
Counties across the state are grouped into eight regions based on health system resources in a geographic area. To move from Phase 1 to Phase 2, regions must reach three of the following four benchmarks: A 10% downward trend in case rates; a 10% reduction in COVID hospitalization rates; an ICU occupancy rate below 90%; and a test positivity rate of less than 10%.
To remain in Phase 2, regions must maintain three of these four metrics. If any region does not meet either of the two metrics, it will revert to Phase 1.
In January, Inslee allowed the seven counties that make up the Puget Sound and West regions to reopen in Phase 2. He is now allowing 22 counties in the East, North, Center North, Northwest and Southwest regions to do the same.
This will move the following counties to Phase 2:
- East: Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Lincoln, Adams, Whitman, Asotin
- North: Whatcom, Skagit
- North Central: Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Grant
- Northwest: Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, Kitsap
- South-west: Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Skamania, Klickitat
The Center-South region – made up of Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla and Columbia counties – will remain in Phase 1. In total, 92% of Washington will be in Phase 2 next Monday.
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In Phase 2, restaurants can open indoor meals at 25% capacity, the same for indoor gyms. Sports competitions can also be resumed in Phase 2 with a limited number of spectators. Wedding and funeral ceremonies can also increase your capabilities over current limits.
Currently, there are no later stages for regions to qualify, while the state waits for COVID-19 activity to decline further in Washington.