Welcome to Skagit County

December 8, 2020

Governor Inslee extends COVID-19 related restrictions, impacting Skagitonians

Today during his press conference, Governor Inslee announced an extension of his November 16 restrictions. The restrictions will now be in place at least through January 4, 2021. These restrictions were not changed from the original announcement and include:

• No indoor social gatherings are allowed. Outdoor social gatherings can have five or fewer people from outside an immediate household.
• Restaurants and bars are open for outdoor dining and takeout only- no indoor dining is allowed (these restrictions will go into effect on Wednesday, November 18).
• Bowling alleys, movie theaters, museums, zoos and indoor fitness facilities are closed.
• Personal services (such as hair dressers, nail salons, etc…) and retail occupancy, including grocery stores are limited to 25 percent of capacity.
• Long term care facilities can only allow outdoor visitation, except in the cases of end of life care and essential support personnel.
• Religious services are limited to 25 percent indoor occupancy or 200 people, whichever is fewer. No choir, band or ensemble shall perform during these services. Facial coverings must be worn at all times by congregation members, and there cannot be any congregational singing.
• Wedding receptions are prohibited. Wedding ceremonies will be allowed with no more than 30 people in attendance.
• Youth (school and non-school) and adult sporting activities are limited to outdoor only for intra-team practices, and all athletes must wear masks.
• No real estate open houses.

Governor Inslee is also requiring that those who are able to work from home continue do so. If a business is not able to operate remotely, only 25 percent of the buildings capacity can work from there at one time. Further, no public services should be provided wherever possible. No changes have been made to the guidances governing schools or childcare facilities.

“Unfortunately, we had a feeling this was coming,” said Public Health Director Jennifer Johnson. “Skagit County continues to see very high numbers of new COVID-19 cases each week.  Governor Inslee’s restrictions have had a great impact on people throughout our community. However, we have seen Skagitonians time and again step up to help others.  We know that Skagit County can step up and reduce the current very high impact on our long-term care facilities, hospitals and clinics, schools and pre-schools, and employers by stopping the spread of COVID-19.  We support our community in staying strong through the coming holidays in following the simple steps of masking, declining to gather outside of households, and reaching out to vulnerable family members and neighbors through calls, FaceTime, and grocery deliveries. “  

Governor Inslee also announced additional economic support for businesses impacted by the pandemic. Additional information will be available at http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/links/crisis/covid-19-resources/