County approved for Phase III

Whitman County was approved to Phase III by the state Secretary of Health Saturday with conditions. One condition is that an individual Phase III business sector (such as movie theaters, libraries, and museums) may reopen only after the state publishes its guidelines for the specific sector, which was expected to be done over the weekend. The business is only allowed to reopen after it can implement those guidelines.

By moving into Phase III, recreation has opened up for outdoor sports or activities for up to 50 people and recreational facilities, such as pools and gyms, can open to 50 percent capacity. Professional sports are allowed without an audience. Also as part of the phase, gatherings of 50 people or less and non-essential travel are allowed. Restaurants/taverns can increase to 75 percent capacity with table size limited to 10 and bars can open to 25 percent capacity.

High risk populations are strongly encouraged to limit their participation in Phase III activites.

No decisions have been made yet on a timeline for a county moving to Phase IV according to the approval letter.

Business guidelines can be found at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start.