On May 5, 2020, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee outlined the phased “Smart Start” approach that public health officials plan to ease up on stay-at-home orders and to resume recreational, social, and business activities.
On May 5, 2020, Phase 1 of the governor’s Safe Start plan was implemented. Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reopened state-managed lands for public recreation. Counties with a population of less than 75,000 that have not had a new case of COVID-19 in the past three weeks can apply to the state Department of Health with a plan to move to Phase 2. More details about the phases are listed below.
On May 29, Gov. Jay Inslee released an updated, county-by-county based “Safe Start” reopening plan for resuming recreational, social and business activities. Businesses are not authorized to open until that business is able to meet all safety criteria.
As we gradually reopen, it’s still safest to stay home. When going out in public, stay local. Physical distancing of at least six feet is required, and the use of a cloth face covering is strongly recommended.
If approved to move into a new phase, counties will stay in that phase for a minimum of three weeks. This allows public health experts to monitor the impact of reopening.

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Washington State ‘Safe Start’ Phases

***The state will stay in every phase for a minimum of three weeks in order to allow one complete disease incubation period plus an additional week to compile complete data and confirm trends. Every phase will still require social distancing and appropriate health precautions including the use of personal protective equipment in a number of workplaces.
This phased approach may be adjusted as the pandemic evolves. The industries listed in the governor’s order are not an exclusive or exhaustive list of industries. Businesses listed in each phase of the plan will have industry-specific guidance and safety criteria developed to ensure workplace safety and public health are maintained. Those business activities are not authorized to open until the industry-specific guidance and safety criteria are issued. Employers and workers can find workplace guidance is at the state Department of Labor & Industries.

These phase lists are provided as a courtesy and are informational only to provide a general idea of the types of activities allowed in each phase. We’ve also provided an estimated date for each phase, based on the governor’s 3-weeks-per-phase stipulation, which can change based on data analyzed at the end of each phase. We’ll update the information with the actual dates as they are announced by the state. For details, compliance information, and industry-specific requirements, visit: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/

Phase 1. Begins May 5

Recreation: hunting, fishing, golf, boating, hiking, some park access

Gatherings: None

Travel only for essential stores and services (groceries, medical care, etc., see list below) and permissible activities

Permissible activities (must comply with industry-specific requirements):

Existing construction
Landscaping
Auto/RV/boat/ORV sales
Retail curbside pickup only
Car washes
Pet walkers

Phase 2. Begins May 29. However, individual counties are beginning to move through the phases at different rates.

When out in public, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a cloth face covering.

All essential businesses are open including grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and food producers. You can clarify status, or request inclusion on the list.

Travel only for essential stores and services (groceries, medical care, etc.) and permissible activities.

Recreation: hunting, fishing, golf, boating, hiking, some park access, plus outdoor recreation with 5 or fewer people outside your household (camping, beaches, etc.)

Gatherings: no more than 5 people outside your household per week

Permissible activities (must comply with industry-specific requirements):

Everything in Phase 1 permissible activities.
Remaining manufacturing and construction
In-home domestic services (nannies, housecleaning, etc.)
Real estate: 25% of building occupancy. Indoor services limited to 30 minutes.
Retail in-store purchases: 15% of building occupancy. Indoor services limited to 30 minutes.
Personal Services: 25% of building occupancy.
Professional services: 25% of building occupancy. Indoor services limited to 30 minutes for customers
Photography.
Pet grooming.
Restaurants: No indoor dining allowed. Outdoor dining is permitted but seating at 50% of existing outdoor capacity.

Phase 1 and 2 religious and faith-based organization requirements (pdf)

Before visiting state parks or lands, check to confirm what’s open.

Phase 3. (***Estimated to begin no earlier than June 16***)

Recreation: hunting, fishing, golf, boating, hiking, some park access, plus outdoor group sports activities with 50 or fewer people, recreational facilities at 50% capacity (gyms, pools, etc.), and professional sports without audience participation (horseracing, baseball, etc.)

Gatherings: no more than 50 people

Non-essential travel allowed

Permissible activities (must comply with industry-specific requirements):

Phase 1 & 2 permissible activities.
Restaurants and taverns at 75% capacity, table size 10 persons or less, bar seating at 25% capacity
Movie theaters at 50% capacity
Customer-facing government services (telework strongly encouraged)
Libraries
Museums
All other business activities not yet listed except for nightclubs and events >50 persons

Phase 4. (***Estimated to begin no earlier than July 7***)

Recreation: Resume all recreational activity

Gatherings: greater than 50 people allowed

Non-essential travel allowed

Activities:

Phase 1, 2 & 3 permissible activities.
Nightclubs
Concert venues
Large sporting events
Unrestricted staffing of worksites

Continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene.

For more information, visit: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/ and https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start (PICTURED BELOW – CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Washington State ‘Safe Start’ phased approach chart (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

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What’s open

Remember that it is crucial to reduce social interactions and slow the spread. Everyone, young and old, should stay home and avoid all non-essential contact. When you must go out, limit your trips and stay six feet apart from others. Your actions affect the health of our entire community. And what we do as a community protects us all.

Essential stores and services

Retail stores considered essential are open: grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, food supply chains and other businesses that offer people basic, crucial needs will remain open. Some childcare facilities, hardware, office supply, and pet supply stores are also open. However, many of these stores offer curbside pickup of phone or online orders only.

Grocery stores may have reduced hours, especially to accommodate restocking activities. Some also designate special shopping hours for senior citizens, usually the first 1-2 hours on certain days of the week. (Scroll down for a more complete list). Many stores offer ordering online or in their app, with curbside pickup–so be sure to check for these services. Many grocery stores offer delivery service.
Food banks and food pantries are essential services that will remain in operation through this restriction.
Drug stores and pharmacies may have reduced hours or service (such as drive-thru only). Locally owned Bartell Drugs has 67 locations, some open 24-hours and most offering delivery, including prescriptions.
Costco stores are open but control the number of members in warehouses and have reduced some services.
Big box stores with general merchandise such as Fred Meyer, Target, and Walmart may have reduced hours. Some are focused on delivery pickups and online orders.
3R Technology is an essential services business. Retail Stores are completely closed, including for recycling drop-offs. Phone orders and shipping is available on some items. Pickup is available on a case-by-case basis. Online stores will continue to operate and fill orders.
Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Circle K are open and observing heightened sanitation practices. 7-Eleven is offering delivery.
Restaurants may remain open for takeout and delivery.

Essential activities include those necessary for the health and safety of family, household members, and pets, which includes things such as seeking medical services, obtaining medication, and caring for someone (family or friend) in another household or residence.

Outdoor exercise is considered an essential activity, such as walking, hiking, running or biking, but only if appropriate social distancing practices are used.

For more guidance on biking activities, visit Cascade Bicycle Club: https://www.cascade.org/blog/2020/03/10-guidelines-safe-riding-cascade-rides-committee.

Post offices remain open, some postal services are available at many other locations (drug stores, grocery stores, shipping centers, etc.)

Garbage and recycling servies. King County Solid Waste Division has a staggered entry system for self-haul customers at transfer stations. Self-haul customers are encouraged to postpone visits to their facilities to avoid long lines and possible service delays. Self-haul customers who cannot delay a visit are being asked to take the following actions:

Practice social/physical distancing by staying at least six feet from others.
Stay in their vehicle while waiting at the scales.
Pay with a card rather than cash.
If you or someone in your household is sick or exhibiting and symptoms of illness, do not visit their facilities.

Government services. Some government services are being offered remotely: https://kingcounty.gov/about/news/covid-service-changes.aspx

For the most up-to-date list from Washington State DOH, visit: https://www.coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed

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Senior hours, curbside pickup, and delivery

Senior hours (can also include pregnant women or other “vulnerable” shoppers or caregivers). For stores with no special shopping hours, curbside pickup and delivery is widely available and recommended. Order online or in their app for free pickup. Delivery is often free with qualifying orders.

We’ve found the following published special senior shopping hours. Subject to change, of course. So call or be patient if things change.

Ace Hardware: Delivery and curbside pickup available. Stores are independently owned, so services and hours will vary.
Albertsons (also Safeway): senior hours Tuesday and Thursday From 7 to 9 a.m. for “vulnerable shoppers”. Delivery is available.
Bartell Drugs: No dedicated hours. Delivery is available, including prescriptions.
Big Lots: senior hours daily during the first hour for “those most vulnerable to this virus”. Order online for curbside pickup.
Costco: senior hours (age 60+) Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8 to 9 a.m. at all locations except Business Centers. Delivery is available.
CVS pharmacy: No dedicated hours (except inside Target). Delivery is available, including prescriptions.
Fred Meyer (Kroger): senior hours (age 60+): 7am – 8am, Monday – Thursday. Curbside pickup available.
Home Depot: Delivery and curbside pickup available. Stores close daily at 6 p.m.
Lowe’s: Delivery and curbside pickup available.
Metropolitan Market: everyday 7AM-8AM.
New Seasons Markets: Senior hours (including at-risk shoppers) everyday 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Delivery and curbside pickup available.
PCC Markets: senior hours (age 60+ and at-risk shoppers) daily 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Delivery is available.
QFC (Kroger): senior hours (age 60+): Monday – Thursday 7am – 8am. Delivery and curbside pickup available.
Rite Aid: senior hours Monday 8AM-10AM. Delivery is available, including prescriptions.
Safeway (also Albertson’s): senior hours Tuesday and Thursday From 7 to 9 a.m. for “vulnerable shoppers”. Delivery is available.
Staples: Delivery is available.
Target: senior hours each Wednesday 7AM-8AM. Curbside pickup available; order in the Target app.
Town & Country Markets: Senior hours, Monday and Wednesday, 7-9 a.m.
Trader Joe’s: senior hours daily 9am-10am.
Uwajimaya: Seattle senior hours daily 8-9 a.m. All other stores, Tuesday only. In addition, age 60+ gets 10% off regular priced merchandise every Tuesday until 11am.
Walgreens: senior hours and savings day every Tuesday 8–9am, with up to 30% off in-store and online. Delivery is available. 24-hour stores are drive-thru only.
Walmart: senior hours Tuesday 6AM-7AM. Delivery and curbside pickup available.
Whole Foods Market (Amazon): senior hours daily, varies a bit for each store. Delivery and curbside pickup available.
WinCo: senior hours Tuesday and Thursday, 6AM-7:30AM.

More delivery services

Public Parks (day use)

Washington State Parks and public lands reopened for public recreation on May 5, 2020. See the list of Washington State Parks open for recreation. Note that some parks remain closed, and all camping and overnight accommodations also remain closed.

King County Parks opened May 8, including parks, regional and backcountry trails, parking lots, and trailheads, as well as fields, docks , and boat launches, and the off-leash dog area at Marymoor Park. Other facilities remain closed, including restrooms, play areas, sports courts, picnic shelters, campgrounds, swimming pools, community centers, and organized activities and programs, such as team sports and practices, race events, swimming lessons, volunteer work parties, and public gatherings. In step with the governor’s phased approach to re-opening, King County Parks will depend on visitors practicing safe distancing and following public health guidelines and will make informed decisions based upon the data and guidance from our public health experts. For updates, visit: https://kingcountyparks.org/COVID/.

Seattle Parks and Tacoma Metro Parks & trails remain open on a limited basis for walking, running, and enjoying nature. Public boat launches remains open (with limitations–check before you go). However, everyone is reminded public parks are places for solitary recreation, not group activities. If it’s crowded, go to a different another trail, beach, or park (or go home and come back another time). Practice social distancing and good hygiene. Parking lots are closed, so the general recommendation is to visit only those parks near your home and to walk to and from the park.

Seattle has over 400 parks totaling over 6,000 acres. Find a Seattle Park near you.
Tacoma Metro has nearly 3,000 acres of parks. Search for a Tacoma park near you or use the interactive map of Tacoma parks.
Note that many park facilities remain closed, including parking lots, restrooms, playgrounds, sports courts, picnic shelters, skate parks, other facilities, events, and programs.

Tacoma Metro Parks social distancing guidelines in parks and public spaces

Transportation

All public transportation systems in the Puget Sound region have reduced service by 30% or more. Some routes are cancelled. Sunday service is cancelled for some routes.

Extra cleaning is being conducted especially for high contact surfaces. Passengers are encouraged to practice social distancing by sitting in every other row, if possible. Do not use public transit if not required for work or essential tasks or if you or anyone in your household is showing symptoms.

Fare collection is temporarily suspended on all routes. Enter and exit buses by the rear doors only. To stay informed, sign up for text alerts on any system you use:

Washington State Ferries are operating on winter schedules. Car passengers are encouraged to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the crossing and to avoid congested public areas. Those in the passenger cabin should try to maintain a personal distance of six feet; according to the CDC, that is a safe distance to avoid catching most respiratory viruses.

What’s closed

There is a statewide ban on gatherings and going out (“stay home”) through May 31st, except for essential tasks (listed above). For additional information on what remains closed, refer to the above ‘Safe Start’ Phases.

For additional information, visit; https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-signs-new-covid-19-order-for-phased-re-opening-of-washingtons-economy-ad5ea919ab56