Eviction Moratorium Extended and New Restrictions on Eateries, Bars, and Indoor Facilities
A Message from Doug Levy, WRPA Lobbyist
During his July 23 press conference, Gov. Jay Inslee announced new restrictions for eateries, bars, indoor facilities—and the extension of the eviction moratorium to October 15. Gov. Inslee also announced the formation of a workgroup of landlord and tenant representatives, along with staff from the Governor's office, to determine what will happens with regards to the eviction moratorium beyond October 15.
View early press coverage of the announcement and new restrictions. A summary of the changes is below:
- The eviction moratorium has been extended to October 15
- Update on guidance for restaurants and bars:
- New ban on dining with persons outside your household indoors at restaurants.
- Alcohol service must end by 10 PM.
- Vending game areas (e.g. pool tables, darts, video games) must be closed until Phase 4.
- Bars closed for indoor service, including in Phase 3.
- For counties in Phase 3: table size reduced to 5 and occupancy reduced to 50% within restaurants.
- Update on guidance for weddings and funerals (both secular and religious):
- Only ceremonies are permitted. Receptions are prohibited.
- The maximum indoor occupancy is 20% capacity or up to 30 people, whichever is less, so long as six feet of physical distancing can be achieved between households.
- Update on guidance for fitness facilities:
- No general indoor fitness activity is permitted in Phase 2—only small group fitness classes. All group fitness classes are limited to no more than 5 (not counting the instructor).
- Reduce Phase 3 occupancy to 25% capacity. All group fitness classes are limited to no more than 10 (not counting the instructor).
- No indoor family entertainment/recreational centers (e.g. mini golf, bowling alleys, arcades) until Phase 4.
- Indoor movie theaters limited to 25% capacity as a Phase 3 activity.
- No indoor card rooms until Phase 4.
In addition, Secretary of Health Dr. Wiesman announced that he will be expanding his statewide order requiring facial coverings to include all common spaces, not just public spaces (indoors in most situations, and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained). Examples of common spaces provided include elevators, hallways, and shared use areas in places such as apartments, condominiums, nursing homes, and adult family homes. This order takes effect Saturday, July 25, 2020.