Latest COVID-19 information for Seattle metro area

Seattle, WA — LAST REVIEWED May 19, 2021 12:23 P.M. PST

Overview

Gov. Jay Inslee announced on May 13 that the state is on track for a full reopening of the economy by June 30.

Reopening plan

As of May 18, all counties in Washington went to phase 3. Pierce, Cowlitz, Whitman and Ferry counties were previously in Phase 2. Counties will be individually evaluated every three weeks. If a county fails both metrics, that county will move down one phase in the Heathy Washington plan. Inslee hopes to fully reopen the state by June 30.

Vaccines

The Department of Health said everyone 16 and up is now eligible to get a vaccine, as of April 15.

Where to get vaccinated

To make it easier to get vaccinated, the state rolled out a new website to help people find one: www.vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.

Eviction moratorium

The statewide eviction moratorium is in effect through June 30, 2021.

Schools

Inslee signed an emergency proclamation requiring all school districts in the state to offer both remote and in-person instruction to all K-12 students. Inslee announced on March 25 that all public school students will need to maintain a distance of 3 to 6 feet while at school.

Testing

Find testing locations across Washington state here.

How to help

Donate to local food banks, such as Ballard Food Bank, Food Lifeline and Northwest Harvest.

Restrictions

Masks

On May 13, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people did not need to wear masks indoors. The state of Washington adopted the guidance immediately, but Public Health Seattle and King County “is considering whether ending the indoor mask mandate is the best option in King County at this time.”

All indoor spaces, activities:

Phase 3 allows 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.

Dining: Indoor dining at bars and restaurants

Phase 2: Indoor dining at 25% capacity, end alcohol service/delivery at 11 p.m. Outdoor or open-air dining available, max 6 per table, limit 2 households per table.

Phase 3: Indoor dining is available at 50% capacity, with alcohol service or delivery ending at midnight. Outdoor or open-air dining restricted to a maximum 10 people per table.

Gyms and fitness facilities

Phase 2: Low, moderate risk sports competitions permitted. High risk sports permitted for practice, training. Fitness, training and indoor sports maximum 25% capacity.

Phase 3: Sports competitions and tournaments are allowed in all risk categories. Fitness and training and indoor sports are allowed at 50% capacity. Showers allowed.

Indoor events, facilities

Phase 2: Maximum 25% capacity or 200 people, whichever is less. If food or drinks are served, eating and drinking requirements apply.

Phase 3: Up to 50% occupancy or 400 people maximum, whichever is lower, for all indoor spaces, with physical distancing and masking enforced. Larger venue events are capped at 25% occupancy, or up to 9,000 people, whichever is less, and must follow spectator guidelines.

Outdoor activities

Phase 2: Low, moderate, and high-risk sports competitions allowed (no tournaments), maximum 200 including spectators.

Phase 3: Up to 400 people maximum to attend outdoor activities, 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.

Long-term care facilities

If both parties are vaccinated, you are now allowed to visit inside. Otherwise, the visit must take place outside.

Professional services

Phase 2: Remote work strongly encouraged, 25% capacity otherwise.

Phase 3: Remote work strongly encouraged, 50% capacity otherwise.

Personal services

Phase 2: Personal services are limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.

Phase 3: 50% capacity.

Retail: In-store retail

Phase 2: In-store retail is limited to 25% indoor occupancy. Curbside pickup is encouraged.

Phase 3: 50% capacity, with curbside pickup encouraged.

Sports, professional and school; other spectator events: Large outdoor venues

Phase 2: Not allowed.

Phase 3: Spectators will be allowed to attend large outdoor venues with permanent assigned seating with up to 25% capacity or 9,000 people, whichever is less. Social distancing and masks are still required.

Sports, professional and school; other spectator events: Smaller outdoor venues

Phase 2: Not allowed.

Phase 3: Up to 400 people or 50% capacity, whichever is smaller, may attend outdoor activities. The change for both sizes of venues affects both professional and high school sports, as well as motorsports, rodeos, and other outdoor spectator events.

Weddings and funerals

Phase 2: Ceremonies and indoor receptions, wakes, or similar gatherings in conjunction with such ceremonies are permitted and must follow the appropriate venue requirements. If food or drinks are served, eating and drinking requirements apply. No dancing.

Phase 3: Up to 50% occupancy or 400 people maximum, whichever is lower, for all indoor spaces, with physical distancing and masking enforced.

Worship services

Phase 2: Limited to 25% indoor occupancy.

Phase 3: Indoor maximum 50% capacity.

More COVID-19 News

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