Inslee Lays Out Phase 2 Guidance For Libraries, Drive-In Theaters

WASHINGTON — More than half of Washington's counties have been approved to enter Phase 2 of Gov. Inslee's Safe Start plan to reopen businesses as the coronavirus pandemic winds down, but the state is still releasing new guidance for certain industries that want to resume when Phase 2 begins.

Under the Safe Start plan, all businesses are expected to follow a broad set of safety rules, like having employees wear cloth masks and giving them any other necessary protective equipment and enough space for safe social distancing, but there are also regulations tailored to each individual industry's needs.

Tuesday Inslee's office released a new pair of guidelines for libraries and for drive-in theaters.

Here are some key regulations for libraries:

• Only librarians or library employees should be allowed inside the buildings, and even then staff inside should be limited.
• Books can be rented, but will be need to be delivered renters with a curbside drop-off outside the library itself.
  • Books or physical materials can be placed directly inside a patron's car. Renters should stay inside their car if at all possible, and should wear face coverings.
  • Delivery tools, like carts or dollies, should be sanitized frequently.
• If a library shares a curb with another business that does curbside drop off, each should designate their own zone that pertains to their work alone.
• Returned books need to be sealed and quarantined for 24 hours upon arrival back at the library.

Read the full guidance for libraries here.

Here are some key regulations for drive-in theaters:

• Moviegoers must stay in their cars at all times except when going to the bathroom or visiting concessions. When they do leave they should wear face coverings.
• Customers should buy tickets online or over the phone when possible.
• All cars should be parked 10 feet apart.
• The number of people in the restroom at one time should be limited.

Read the full guidance for drive-in theaters here.

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