Washington's stay home order extended through May 31, state to reopen in four phases

Gov. Jay Inslee will extend his stay-at-home order through at least May 31, he announced on Friday. He said he'd officially issue the extension on Monday, May 4.

Inslee also outlined four phases for reopening the state's economy, to be guided by Covid-19 outbreak data.

"I would like to tell you that you can make reservations for June 1, but I cannot," Inslee said during a press conference on Friday. "We will have to monitor, assess, and adapt."

He added that smaller counties with less of a Covid-19 impact may be permitted to reopen earlier than larger ones or those considered to be hot spots.

However, Inslee reiterated that "our return to normal will still not look the way they did before this virus hit us until we have pharmaceutical interventions, such as a vaccine."

Scientists at the forefront of those efforts have estimated that it will likely take between 12 to 18 months for a licensed vaccine to be ready.

The governor has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks from some groups demanding he reopen the economy, as social distancing mandates persist with no hard end in sight.

Pockets of rebellion throughout Washington state in response to ‘Stay Home’ order

"We are not wrestling with whether to lean toward the economy, or to public health," Inslee said on Friday. "They are one. They are mutually dependent."

Inslee pointed to numbers showing the U.S. Covid-19 death toll has surpassed the number of American fatalities during the Vietnam War.

"Some people have argued that this threat is exaggerated — that the death rate doesn’t warrant a vigorous response," he said. "To those people, I ask they consider for one moment what it is like to lose a loved one to this vicious and somewhat mysterious killer."

Inslee went on to outline four phases of reopening the state, the progression of which will be determined by data on the status of Washington's Covid-19 epidemic. Each phase will still require social distancing and precautions, including the use of personal protective gear for certain industries.

Phase 1

This is essentially where we are currently, Inslee said:

• Low-risk construction projects that were previously underway may restart
• Socially distanced outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, golfing, and day use of state parks may resume starting May 5.
• Retailers may offer curbside pick-up services, car sales, and car washes.
• Drive-in spiritual services with one car per household are permitted.
• Large gatherings are still prohibited — even those that may ostensibly be social distancing-friendly.

Phase 2

• Small gatherings of five or less could be permitted.
• Outdoor activities not permitted in Phase 1, such as camping, could resume.
• New construction projects could begin.
• In-store retail with proper safety precautions could restart.
• Restaurants could resume in-house services at 50% capacity, with parties no larger than five to a table.
• Pet care and grooming services could resume.

Phase 3

• Gatherings of 50 or less, including sports activities, could resume.
• Nonessential travel could be permitted.
• Restaurants could resume in-house services at 75% capacity, and bars at 25%. Nightclubs and entertainment venues would remain closed.
• Movie theaters, gyms, pools, and other recreational facilities could reopen at 50% capacity.
• Retailers, museums, libraries, and government buildings could reopen — telework is still recommended where possible.

Phase 4

• The majority of public interactions would be able to restart.
• Gatherings of more than 50 people could resume, but with social distancing still in practice.
• Nightclubs, concerts, and large sporting events will be permitted to resume.

State officials say local jurisdictions will have the authority to maintain more firm social distancing orders as statewide restrictions are relaxed.