Inslee announces move to Phase 3

OLYMPIA -- At a news conference this afternoon, Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that effective March 22, the entire state will enter Phase 3 of its Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery. He also said evaluation of COVID-19 metrics will be transitioning from a regional approach to a county-by-county process. The governor also announced a new third phase of the Roadmap, a return for in-person spectators for professional and high school sports.

Phase 3, announced today, includes a return for in-person spectators for professional and high school sports. Spectators will be allowed to attend outdoor venues with permanent seating with capacity capped at 25%. The change effects both professional and high school sports, as well as motorsports, rodeos and other outdoor spectator events. Social distancing and facial covering are still required.

Additionally, the governor announced that starting Wednesday, March 17, everyone in Tier 2 will be eligible for their COVID vaccine. This includes workers in agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, firefighters and law enforcement, among others. Tier 2 also includes people over the age of 16 who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high-risk.

The new phase allows up to 400 people maximum to attend outdoor activities, as well as events in indoor facilities — so long as 400 people does not exceed 50% capacity for the location, and physical distancing and masking protocols are enforced. Larger venue events are capped at 25% occupancy, or up to 9,000 people, whichever is less, and must follow spectator guidelines.

Additionally, Phase 3 will allow up to 50% occupancy or 400 people maximum, whichever is lower, for all indoor spaces. This applies to all industries and indoor activities currently allowed; restaurants, gyms and fitness centers and movie theaters, among others, may all increase their capacity.