Inslee Details Bar And Restaurant Closures, New Limits On Groups

SEATTLE, WA — New restrictions on bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and other recreational venues will go into effect across Washington Monday, as state leaders ramp-up efforts to limit public interactions and quell the spread of the new coronavirus.

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State health officials have confirmed 904 illnesses linked to COVID-19 in Washington, and at least 48 patients have died. According to an update Monday, more than 11,500 people in the state have been tested for the virus to date.

"Never since World War II have we faced a situation like this," Gov. Jay Inslee said. "This is bigger than all of us, and I'm fully confident that Washingtonians will rise to the challenge."

Under the ban, all bars, food courts, salons, tattoo parlors, theaters, bowling alleys, art galleries and other spaces that are likely to attract public gatherings will not be allowed to operate in Washington. Inslee said restaurants can remain open for take-out or delivery service only, with no in-house dining.

"All of us have to recognize [that] for the next several weeks, normal is not in our game plan," Inslee said.

According to the governor's executive order, the ban does not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, childcare facilities or banks. All retail outlets are required to designate an employee to implement social distancing plans.

Inslee said the order will remain in effect until at least March 31 and could be extended if it's determined to be necessary.

With thousands of businesses affected by the closure orders in Washington, state and local leaders acknowledged the ramifications for employees and employers and pledged to find ways to address the loss of income.

"I know there are enormous economic implications and social disruptions," Inslee said. "Today, we know we are doing this for a simple reason: to save the lives of our loved ones in Washington."

According to public health officials, the virus has not been shown to be especially dangerous to people under 60, or those without underlying health conditions, but people in low-risk groups are just as likely to be infected and spread the disease, which will have deadly results.

Inslee said the mortality rate for those under 50 could be as low as 0.4 percent, but for people in age groups above 60, that number can jump to between 8 and 18 percent.

"We need to save these people," Inslee said. "Because, if we can keep this group of people out of circulation for the next several weeks, we're going to save dozens, if not hundreds, of our loved ones."

Another element of the governor's order bans all social gatherings with 50 or more people in attendance. Public health leaders stressed that events with fewer than 50 people were also heavily discouraged and are also not permitted until specific health measures are taken.

State and county leaders urge everyone to make every attempt to avoid meetings of any size if there is any feasible alternative.

"If you're thinking about having a group of 49 people in the same room: think again," Inslee said.

State leaders and congressional lawmakers are working to develop economic relief for the millions of people across the United States who will now miss a paycheck.

In Washington, Inslee said it was possible that some of the $200 million alloted by state lawmakers could be used to help businesses and employees. When asked about recent proposals to provide an emergency universal basic income payment to all Americans, Inslee signaled support.

"I certainly would not be opposed to that," Inslee said. "We are going to look for every creative solution we can find."

In the interim, King County Executive Dow Constantine implored residents to support businesses in any way they are able, including making donations to non-profit groups and supporting local restaurants as much as possible under the new guidelines.

"Back in World War II there was a national push for people to buy war bonds," Constantine said. "In that same spirit, I'm urging everyone to patronize their local restaurants and coffee shops — at a safe distance."

"Perhaps our resilience is going to be represented by the takeout box," Constantine said.