Inslee extends Safe Start proclamation, eviction moratorium

July 24, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee Thursday announced the extension of proclamation 20-25 , Washington s Safe Start Phased Reopening plan.

This extension changes guidance and regulations for activities shown to provide a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure, including restaurants, bars, and fitness centers, as well as weddings and funerals. The changes will also affect family entertainment centers, movie theaters and card rooms.

Guidance for restaurants/taverns and card rooms are being issued today; the remaining guidance will be issued early next week.

The proclamation also adopts the updated facial covering order, 20-03.1 , issued today by the secretary of Health.

The proclamation, which is effective until amended or rescinded, is available here .

Read updated guidance for restaurants/taverns here .

Read updated guidance for card rooms here .

Inslee also announced the extension of the eviction moratorium as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of Washingtonians statewide.

The extension makes modifications to the prior moratorium, including:

  • Makes minor clarifications to existing restrictions, such as clarifying that law enforcement may serve eviction orders that include findings required by the proclamation; and
  • Creates a workgroup to help inform potential changes to the moratorium in the short-term and the long-term, if needed. The workgroup is specifically asked to consider how future extensions could address options to increase rent.

The moratorium is extended through October 15.

Read the full proclamation here .