Phase 3 reopening in Washington: what is allowed and what does it mean?

Here’s a breakdown of the changes for sporting events, restaurants, gyms, and other businesses as Washington moves from Phase 2 to Phase 3 of the reopening.

SPOKANE, Washington – Governor Jay Inslee announced Thursday that the entire state of Washington will enter Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington plan on March 22, with significant changes to sporting events, restaurants and other businesses.

It came after leaders across the state, including some in east Washington, urged Inslee to outline what the next stages of reopening might be and what it would take to get there. The East Washington area, including Spokane County, entered Phase 2 of its reopening on Valentine’s Day.

Inslee also announced that the state is moving to a county-to-county assessment process to reopen. Districts are assessed every three weeks after transitioning to Phase 3. These assessments are carried out on Mondays and take effect on Friday. The first evaluation will take place on April 12th. If a county doesn’t meet one or more of the state-set health metrics, you’ll go back a stage.

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Here’s what you need to know about what’s allowed as Washington State moves from Phase 2 to Phase 3 of the reopening.

50% capacity for interiors

In phase 3, a maximum of 400 people can be active indoors and outdoors, provided that physical distancing and masking is enforced. In addition, up to 50% or a maximum of 400 people can be occupied for all interior spaces, whichever is lower. This applies to restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, cinemas and other businesses.

Restaurants can also serve alcohol until midnight, Inslee said.

Sports events

Inslee’s office said the state can safely allow some outdoor spectators at sporting events in Phase 3. Outdoor events in fixed-seat facilities can have up to 25% capacity for spectators who are physically distant and wearing masks.

This means the Seattle Mariners can greet fans for the team’s opening day on April 1st. The change also allows for the same capacity for college sports, rodeos, and similar outdoor spectator events.

The expanded capacity for high school and youth sports will begin on Thursday March 18, Inslee’s office said.

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Sports with high contact

High-contact sports such as basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading can resume in Phase 3.