Every state across the country is now facing the spread of COVID-19, and as the first state impacted, we took swift and necessary measures to protect Washingtonians and met this challenge with the seriousness and compassion it deserves.
The first priority has been to slow and contain the spread of COVID-19 in our communities -- that means millions of Washingtonians are staying home, physically distancing, and wearing masks to save lives. On March 23rd, Governor Inslee issued a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. The state also dramatically increased testing and expanded access to healthcare.
We’re focused on supporting and protecting our health care workers by fighting to get them the supplies they need to take care of sick Washingtonians.
Additionally, unprecedented steps have been taken to provide economic relief to Washingtonians -- because nobody should get evicted, lose their home or go without heat because they can’t pay their bills during this crisis. The governor has also distributed small-business grants to hundreds of businesses across Washington and nearly $1 billion in federal relief funding to give direct aid to employers, nonprofits, Tribes, and renters.
On May 29th, Governor Inslee announced Washington phased reopening by country “Safe Start Washington” initiative. Each phase has clear guidelines and metrics that county’s, employers, and Washingtonians can understand rules regarding recreation, travel, and employers.
Three weeks later, Governor Inslee announced a statewide mask mandate to control this virus. The governor knows that our strategy to reopen our economy will only be successful if we all adopt simple, common-sense measures like wearing a mask.
This crisis is far from over. Yet, like so many challenges our states and our country have faced, the solution is in our own hands. Stay home, stay healthy and we can get through this together.
For the most current information on Washington’s state’s response and public health guidance on the Coronavirus, please visit the following links:
Washington State’s Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)