Gov. Jay Inslee speaks to the media after the Legislature adjourned its 60-day session Thursday in Olympia. (Rachel La Corte/The Associated Press)

Gov. Jay Inslee speaks to the media after the Legislature adjourned its 60-day session Thursday in Olympia. (Rachel La Corte/The Associated Press)

Inslee to temporarily close restaurants, bars, entertainment venues to fight virus

Extraordinary measure expected to be signed Monday

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee announced Sunday night that he will sign a statewide emergency proclamation Monday to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The press release issued Sunday night added that gatherings of over 50 people will be prohibited and gatherings with under 50 people are prohibited unless they meet previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing.

“These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the virus,” Inslee said in the press release. “I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges.”

Restaurants will be allowed to provide take-out and delivery services but no in-person dining will be allowed, according to the press release.

The ban will not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies, but other retail outlets will have reduced occupancy.

King County announced that it will take these actions immediately, in advance of the Monday proclamation.

“King County has been the hotbed of this outbreak and has the largest population center in the state,” Inslee said. “I have spoken to Executive Dow Constantine and I applaud their decision to act quickly. We will do a joint media announcement with more details [Monday] morning.”

More in News

Beachgoers look for a spot on the sand on Sunday afternoon at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. Mount Rainier looms in the distance. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Summer sand

Beachgoers look for a spot on the sand on Sunday afternoon at… Continue reading

First Fed accused in Ponzi scheme

Resignations came amid $107M lawsuit

Ballots for Aug. 5 primary election to be mailed today

Hospital commission, Port Angeles, Port Townsend city council races to be determined

Port Angeles to host forum on Rayonier cleanup

Special meeting scheduled for Tuesday

Drought conditions may require trucks to bring water to West End

Clallam Bay/Seiku and Island View water systems are under stage… Continue reading

Clallam County Democrats to host candidate forums

The Clallam County Democrats will host a series of… Continue reading

Firefighters work to contain a wildland fire on Tuesday afternoon near Brinnon. “Go now” evacuation orders were given from Jefferson County’s Emergency Operations Center. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)
Evacuation orders given in Brinnon-area fire

Several areas near Brinnon were being asked to evacuate due… Continue reading

Kennedy Reynolds, 2, takes a look at a row of lavender plants with her mother, Chelsea Reynolds of Port Angeles, during a Saturday outing to B & B Family Lavender Farm west of Sequim. The farm will be a participant in this weekend’s Lavender Weekend, a celebration of all things lavender in Sequim and across the Dungeness Valley. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Fields of lavender

Kennedy Reynolds, 2, takes a look at a row of lavender plants… Continue reading

Burn ban ordered due to forecast

Peninsula expecting temperatures near 90

Habitat project moves forward with infrastructure funds

Clallam County to provide $800K for Lyon’s Landing

Humane Society to house dangerous animals again

Contract with Clallam County to go through 2026

Port Angeles shade tree program open for applications

The City Shade Tree Program is returning for a… Continue reading