Governor Inslee’s Reopening Plan

Christynie Forte, Reporter

The year 2020 has been hectic from having a global pandemic, protests, the riots that occurred across the United States, and on top of that the online learning. As the months go by the world is slowly opening back up.

Specifically, in the State of Washington, Governor Inslee a couple months back on May 31st, 2020 signed Proclamation 20-25.4 and outlined his “Safe Start” plan for county-by-county phased reopening. There are four phases to this reopening plan.

As for Pierce County we are currently in Phase 2. Activities allowed under Phase 2 come with certain restrictions such as restaurants having a 50% capacity with tables no larger than 5 people, in-store markets, salons, barbershops, and other grooming services to be at a 30 percent capacity.

Phase 3 will not come to play due to the increase of coronavirus cases. Director of Health Dr. Anthony L-T Chen’s reason was that the county was seeing increases of coronavirus cases. He wrote “I am no longer at a hopeful place. Because the health of our community is my top priority, I am withdrawing my recommendation for Pierce County to apply for an expanded Phase 2.”

As you can see, we don’t know when Pierce County will go into Phase 3 of the Reopening Plan. Maybe we’ll get to see a Phase 4, but until then wear a mask and stay safe.