Changes to Safe Start Guidance 

Governor Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman on July 23 announced changes to “Safe Start,” Washington’s phased approach to reopening. 

A summary of changes is provided below, but please be sure to refer to the full guidance documents and other materials linked in the "Resources" section. Also, please remember that Snohomish County remains in Phase 2 at this time.

Thank you for all you are doing to keep Snohomish County healthy.

Summary of Changes

• Effective July 25, facial masks are required in all common spaces (apartment buildings, hotels, university housing). Please refer to the state Department of Health's statement for additional information.
  
  
• Effective July 30, for restaurants, taverns, breweries, wineries and distilleries:
  • Indoor dining limited to household members. Outdoor dining is still available for individuals from separate households. 
  • Alcohol sales must end at 10 p.m. until Phase 4.
  • Table size limited to 5 people from same household (see first bullet in section)
  • Must close gaming and social areas, such as pool table, dart board and video games.
  • Bar-area seating is prohibited in all phases.
  • Indoor service and/or consumption of alcohol at taverns, breweries, wineries, and distilleries is prohibited while the restrictions are in place. Liquor licensees are restricted to outdoor seating only.
  • If a brewery or winery also has a restaurant permit, it may continue restaurant operations pursuant to the safety requirements for restaurants. All menu changes must be preapproved by the Snohomish Health District. For liquor licensees who want to add outdoor seating to their premises, please go to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) website liqouralterations@lcb.wa.gov.  
• Effective July 30, for entertainment:
  • Indoor family entertainment and recreation centers, such as mini golf, bowling alleys, arcades and indoor card rooms are prohibited from opening. 
  • Movie theaters remain closed in Phase 2 with occupancy reduced from 50% to 25% in Phase 3.
• Effective July 30, for gyms and fitness centers: 
  • Limited to 5 people (not including staff) in Phase 2 counties. This includes gyms, fitness studios, and indoor pools, ice rinks, volleyball courts, and tennis facilities.  
• Effective August 6, new wedding and funeral guidance:
  • Occupancy is limited to 20% capacity OR 30 people, whichever is less, must maintain 6 ft. physical distance. 
  • Gatherings for ceremonies are allowed.
  • Receptions will be prohibited.

Resources

• Phase 2 and Phase 3 Restaurant, Tavern, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries COVID-19 Requirements 
• Secretary of Health's Face Covering Order (Amended July 24)
• Inslee announces rollbacks to some activities to slow COVID-19 exposure
• Safe Start: Business Guidance, County Status, and What's Open