Documenting Washington's path to recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

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Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains a general timeline of noteworthy state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic since April 2020. It also includes details on three specific types of state responses to the pandemic:

• Statewide travel restrictions
• School reopenings and closures
• Statewide mask requirements

Additionally, the article includes:

• Noteworthy coronavirus lawsuits
• Diagnosed or quarantined officials and candidates

Response news updates

The following section provides a timeline of Washington's reopening activity beginning in April 2020. The entries, which come from our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter, are sorted by month in reverse chronological order. The date shown is the day that we wrote about them in the newsletter. They appear exactly as they appeared in the newsletter.

July 2021

• July 22: On Tuesday, July 21, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) repealed two COVID-19 orders. The orders waived deadlines related to judicial protection orders, mandated that agricultural businesses implement a paid leave program for workers, and prohibited deductions for lump sum unemployment payments
• July 6: On Friday, July 2, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the statewide utilities moratorium through Sept. 30. The moratorium prohibits utility companies from charging late fees or disconnecting customers for failure to pay bills while the state is under a state of emergency. Inslee said this would be the final extension.

June 2021

• June 30: On Wednesday, June 30, nearly all statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and individuals ended. Indoor events with more than 10,000 attendees continue to be limited to 75% capacity through at least July 31.
• June 28: On Friday, June 25, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) suspended capacity limits on government and nonprofit cooling centers in response to a heatwave affecting the region. Under current COVID-19 restrictions, indoor venues cannot operate at more than 50% capacity. Inslee’s order does not apply to for-profit businesses like movie theaters that provide air conditioned spaces.
• June 25: On Thursday, June 23, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the statewide moratorium on evictions through Sept. 30. Under the order, landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent between Feb. 29, 2020, and July 31, 2021. Beginning Aug. 1, the order requires tenants to begin paying full rent. The order also requires landlords to offer tenants a repayment plan before beginning the eviction process.
• June 22: On Monday, June 21, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) ended three COVID-19 executive orders. The first suspended job search requirements for workers receiving unemployment benefits, the second provided protections for high-risk workers, and the third limited fees that food delivery services could charge to customers.
• June 18: On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a vaccine incentive initiative for military members and veterans. “A Heroes Thanks” will award prizes in a weekly drawing over the span of three weeks, beginning July 20. Prizes will include cash, Amazon gift cards, and state park passes. The initiative will end in the third week with a $250,000 cash prize.
• June 14: On June 10, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended a proclamation allowing for the expansion of the Family Emergency Assistance Program, allowing individuals and families without children to apply for benefits through the program.
• June 10: On Wednesday, June 9, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) confirmed that venues that can hold 10,000 or more people will still be restricted to 75% capacity once the state lifts most COVID-19 restrictions. Inslee said he would lift most restrictions once 70% of eligible residents get vaccinated.
• June 8: On June 7, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board announced “Joints for Jabs,” an initiative to encourage adults 21 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Under the initiative, adults who receive at least one dose of a vaccine are eligible to get a free marijuana joint from a state-licensed dispensary.
• June 4: On Thursday, June 3, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced “Shot of a Lifetime,” a vaccine incentive initiative to encourage residents to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinated individuals will be automatically entered into a weekly drawing for a $250,000 cash prize, culminating in a final drawing at the end of the month for a $1,000,000 prize. Vaccinated residents could also win higher education tuition credits, airline and sports game tickets, and gift cards.

May 2021

• May 24: On Friday, May 21, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed a proclamation that protects workers who take time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or recover from side effects. Inslee also issued an updated mask order that, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest guidance, says fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a face covering.
• May 19: On Tuesday, May 18, the state Department of Health moved four counties from Phase 2 of reopening to Phase 3, meaning that all Washington counties are now in Phase 3. Under Phase 3, outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, while indoor gatherings are limited to 10. Businesses like retail stores and bars and restaurants can operate at 50% capacity.
• May 14: On Thursday, May 13, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear a mask while indoors. The mandate still applies to unvaccinated people, or people who have not completed both doses of a two-dose vaccination schedule.
• May 5: On Tuesday, May 5, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was pausing the reopening plan for two weeks while officials evaluate COVID-19 data. The pause means that all counties will remain in their current phase of reopening.
• May 4: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued updated guidance for spectator events and religious services. The new guidance for spectator events, including sporting events and graduations, allows indoor and outdoor facilities to increase capacity by adding sections for fully vaccinated people. Outdoor events can increase capacity to 50% or 22,000 people, whichever is less. Unvaccinated people cannot comprise more than 9,000 total people. Indoor facilities can expand capacity to 50% or 2000 people, whichever is fewer. For counties in Phase 2 of reopening, facilities cannot allow more than 200 unvaccinated people, or 300 for areas larger than 100,000 square feet. For counties in Phase 3 of reopening, facilities cannot allow more than 400 people, or 600 for rooms with more than 100,000 square feet. For religious facilities in Phase 2 counties, capacity can increase to 50% with vaccinated-only sections.
• May 3: On Friday, April 30, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued an order allowing fully vaccinated residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes to gather together without masks.

April 2021

• April 28: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that fully vaccinated individuals will no longer need to wear a mask while gathering or dining outdoors in small groups.
• April 19: Public schools must offer all K-12 students at least 30% in-person instruction every week by April 19. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed the proclamation March 15. Previously, elementary schools had to provide students at least two partial days of in-person instruction by April 5.
• April 13: On Monday, April 12, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that he was moving Cowlitz County, Pierce County, and Whitman County back to Phase 2 of reopening on Friday, April 16. Currently, all counties are in Phase 3 of reopening. On April 9, Inslee announced that counties would be moved backward if they failed two metrics on new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Previously, a county only needed to fail one metric to move backward in reopening. Under Phase 2, the indoor capacity limit for restaurants, worship services, gyms, and retail stores is 25%. Counties are evaluated on their metrics every three weeks.
• April 12: On Friday, April 9, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) changed the guidelines that determine if a county moves back to a more restrictive phase in the state’s reopening plan. Previously, counties could be moved backward if they failed one of two metrics on new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Now, counties must fail both criteria to be moved back. Large and small counties have different requirements for new cases and hospitalizations. Currently, all counties are in Phase 3 of reopening.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on April 15.

March 2021

• March 26: On Thursday, March 25, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) ordered all K-12 schools to follow updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distance guidance, which says students should keep three feet apart.
• March 25: On Wednesday, March 24, the state Department of Health confirmed that all residents 16 and older will become eligible for a vaccine on May 1.
• March 22: All counties advanced to Phase 3 of reopening on March 22. Phase 3 limits capacity at businesses like restaurants and movie theaters to 50% and allows up to 400 people to gather at indoor and outdoor events if mask usage is enforced and people keep six feet apart.
• March 17: Effective Wednesday, March 17, people in Phase 1B2 of the state’s vaccination plan became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Phase 1B2 includes high-risk critical workers in industries such as agriculture, grocery stores, and public transit, as well as people 16 and older who are pregnant or at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 because of a disability.
• March 15: On Friday, March 12, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said he would soon issue an emergency proclamation requiring elementary schools to provide students at least two partial days of in-person instruction by April 5. Schools must provide older students the same by April 19. As of March 15, Inslee had not signed the proclamation.
• March 12 : On Thursday, March 11, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that all counties will advance to Phase 3 of reopening on March 22. Phase 3 limits capacity at businesses like restaurants and movie theaters to 50% and allows up to 400 people to gather at indoor and outdoor events so long as mask usage is enforced and people keep six feet apart.
• March 5: On Thursday, March 4, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced the next phase of eligibility would begin March 22 and include grocery store employees, agriculture workers, firefighters, public transit workers, and people in law enforcement. Inslee said the timeline was dependent on vaccine supplies.
• March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that K-12 teachers and child care workers can receive the coronavirus vaccines, effective immediately.
• March 1: On Sunday, Feb. 28, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed a bill waiving the 2021 liquor license fee for restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

February 2021

• February 22: On Friday, Feb. 19, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed House Bill 1368, which allocates $2.2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief to schools, testing and vaccination efforts, eviction and rental assistance, child care, food banks, and other needs.
• February 17: On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced the state is adding an additional 48 schools to a coronavirus testing program. The program, which 13 school districts piloted earlier this month, supplies districts with same-day coronavirus tests. The districts decide who is eligible to be tested.
• February 16: Five of the eight regions in Washington’s reopening plan advanced to the second phase on Sunday, Feb. 14. In the second phase, indoor dining can resume at 25% capacity, while gyms and entertainment venues, like bowling alleys, can reopen at 25% capacity. Only the South Central region, comprising six of the state’s 39 counties, remains in the first phase.
• February 1: Effective Feb. 1, two of the state's eight regions automatically moved to Phase 2 of the Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan after Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was changing the criteria for regions to move between phases. Under the new plan, regions only need to meet two of the four public health metrics to move into Phase 2. Previously, regions had to meet all four of the metrics. Under Phase 2, most businesses, including restaurants, bars, gyms, and theaters, can offer indoor services at 25% capacity.

January 2021

• January 19: On Monday, Jan. 18, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that individuals 65 and older are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. He also announced the creation of the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center, a new mobilization effort to administer 45,000 vaccines a day with help from the National Guard and volunteers.
• January 13: On Tuesday, Jan. 12, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued an order allowing statewide elected officials to be sworn in remotely, instead of at the Washington state capitol building.
• January 11: Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) Healthy Washington plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions is effective Jan. 11. The new two-phased plan divides the state into eight regions and replaces the current county-level reopening plan. Each region begins in Phase 1, which limits capacity at gyms and prohibits indoor dining and at-home indoor gatherings with people outside the household. Phase 2 eases restrictions, which includes allowing restaurants to reopen at 50%.
• January 6: On Tuesday, Jan. 5, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced “Healthy Washington,” a new plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions that will go into effect Jan. 11. The new two-phased plan, which divides the state into eight regions, replaces the current county-level reopening plan. Each region begins in Phase 1, which limits capacity at gyms and prohibits indoor dining and at-home indoor gatherings with people outside the household. Phase 2 eases restrictions, which includes allowing restaurants to reopen at 50%.
• January 4: On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended statewide coronavirus restrictions through Jan. 11.

December 2020

• December 17: On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated school reopening guidance for returning students to the classroom. The guidance, which isn’t binding, gives schools three options based on the level of COVID-19 spread. For schools in counties with low spread, the guidance recommends in-person learning for all students. For schools in counties with moderate spread, the guidance recommends a phased approach that starts with elementary students and increases by grade level. In counties with high COVID-19 spread, the guidance recommends in-person learning in small groups for elementary and high-need students only.
• December 10: On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was extending statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the prohibition on indoor dining and the closure of indoor gym activities, through Jan. 4.
• December 9: On Tuesday, Dec. 8, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was extending current COVID-19 restrictions, which include a prohibition on indoor dining and gyms, through Jan. 4. The restrictions also limit outdoor gatherings to five people and prohibit indoor gatherings with people outside of a person’s household unless they have quarantined for a week and received a negative COVID-19 test.
• December 7: On Dec. 4, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued an order that adds vaccine carriers to the list of commercial drivers exempt from commercial driver hour regulations.
• December 3: On Dec. 2, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued an order clarifying that religious organizations can hold outdoor gatherings with up to 200 people, so long as social distancing is followed and participants wear face coverings.

November 2020

• November 30: On Wednesday, Nov. 25, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was strengthening existing requirements for non-urgent medical and dental procedures. The amended order includes requirements related to the increased use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), testing, and social distancing.
• November 18: On Sunday, Nov. 14, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that all counties would need to reimpose some coronavirus restrictions. Effective Nov. 16, social gatherings with members of a different household are prohibited unless those individuals quarantine for 14 days or quarantine for seven days and receive a negative COVID-19 test. Additionally, outdoor social gatherings are limited to five people from outside the household. The new restrictions also include closing gyms, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and capacity restrictions on retail stores. Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, restaurants and bars are closed to indoor service, while outdoor service is limited to a maximum of five people.

October 2020

• October 22: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued updated guidance for religious and faith-based organizations. The updated guidance says that physical distancing between non-household members must be six feet in all directions. The guidance now allows for “brief physical contact among up to five individuals, excluding religious leaders, if the brief contact is a critical component to the organization’s religious service, so long as masks are worn and hands are sanitized immediately before and after the contact.” Inslee also opened the state’s Immigrant Relief Fund to applicants who were unable to access federal stimulus programs due to their immigration status.
• October 21: Gov. Jay Inslee announced (D) new guidelines for colleges and universities. Some of the guidelines include: masks are required at all times when students are outside of their sleeping room, no more than two people may share a sleeping room, and only five people may be in one place at the same time.
• October 14: On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that he would ease restrictions in five counties, allowing them to advance to Phase 2 of the reopening plan.
• October 9: On Thursday, Oct. 8, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the statewide moratorium on evictions through Dec. 31.

September 2020

• September 22: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced agritourism activities (like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches) can reopen in Modified Phase 1 counties if they comply with Phase 2 requirements for the industry.
• September 17: On Sept. 16, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated guidelines allowing for wedding and funeral ceremonies of up to 30 people or 25% of the maximum building capacity in counties in Phase 2 and 3 of reopening. Ceremonies are subject to several restrictions, including face covering requirements (except for the bride and groom) and social distancing. Wedding receptions cannot last more than three hours, and ceremony hosts are encouraged to keep logs of guests for up to two weeks.
• September 14: On Sept. 11, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated guidance allowing indoor fitness and training facilities in counties in the Modified Phase 1 of reopening to operate under Phase 2 guidelines. Those facilities can offer indoor services and group classes with capacity restrictions of 200 square feet per person. Masks are required for all staff and customers.

August 2020

• August 11: On Aug. 10, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated guidance for religious and faith-based organizations. In counties in Phase 1 of reopening, organizations can hold outdoor services with up to 100 people. In counties in Phase 2, up to 200 people can gather for outdoor services, and up to 200 people or 25% of the room’s capacity (whichever is less) can gather indoors. In counties in Phase 3, indoor services can accommodate up to 50 percent of the room’s capacity or 400 people, while up to 400 people can gather for outdoor services.
• August 10: Gyms and fitness centers in counties in Phase Two or Phase Three of reopening must allow at least 300 square feet of space per customer. For gyms or fitness centers larger than 12,000 square feet, occupancy is limited to 25%.
• August 7: On Aug. 6, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a phased reopening plan for long-term care facilities. Starting Aug. 12, facilities can submit an application to the state to begin the reopening process. The plan eases restrictions on visitations as facilities move through the phases of reopening.
• August 5: On Aug. 4, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that the Washington Legislature had extended two of his COVID-19 proclamations through September 1. Inslee had requested the extensions in a July 23 letter. One proclamation says CARES Act payments and state and federal unemployment benefits may not be garnished for consumer debt. The other allows dental, dental hygiene, and pharmacy graduates to obtain temporary licenses.
• August 4: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated fitness guidance on Aug. 3 for counties in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of reopening, including a requirement that occupancy may not exceed 25% in large exercise facilities (more than 12,000 square feet).

July 2020

• July 24: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced new activity restrictions, effective July 30. Weddings and funerals will be limited to 20% capacity (with a maximum of 30 people) and event receptions will be prohibited. In Phase 3 counties, restaurants will be limited to 50% capacity, members of the same table will have to be from the same family, and the maximum number of people at a table will decrease to five. Bars will be closed for indoor service (outdoor service will still be permitted). Gym occupancy will be reduced to 25% in Phase 3 (or five people in Phase 2). Indoor entertainment venues (like bowling alleys and arcades) will not be allowed to open in Phase 3, while movie theaters will be limited to 25% capacity. Secretary of Health John Wiesman also said he would expand the state’s mask order to require face coverings in all common spaces, effective July 25. Such spaces will include elevators, hallways, university housing, hotels, and nursing homes.
• July 20: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) reduced the limit on gatherings in counties in Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan from 50 people to 10, effective July 20. Inslee also issued a statewide ban on live music, including drive-in concerts and music in restaurants.
• July 16: The Washington Legislature extended three proclamations at the behest of Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued in response to the coronavirus. The proclamations modified regulations related to shared work benefits, dental and pharmacy licensing, and in-person visits for foster care children. The proclamations were extended through Aug. 1.
• July 15: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced on July 14 that no Washington counties would advance to the next phase of reopening until at least July 28. Inslee first paused reopening on June 29.
• July 8: On July 7, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that businesses are prohibited from serving customers in public settings who do not wear face coverings. Customers are likewise prohibited from entering businesses without a face covering. Inslee also modified Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the reopening plan to prohibit bars and taverns from offering bar-style seating and live music.

June 2020

• June 29: On June 27, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said the state would stop counties from advancing to Phase 4 of the reopening plan. Although no counties had been moved into Phase 4 as of the time of the announcement, eight were scheduled to do so.
• June 26: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed into law a statewide mask mandate that takes effect on June 26. People must wear a face covering in indoor and outdoor public spaces. Masks are not required outdoors if six feet of space can be maintained between people. Children under two are exempt from the mandate.
• June 18: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated guidelines for religious services on June 18. Counties in Phase 3 of the Safe Start reopening plan can hold services indoors with up to 400 people or 50% capacity, whichever is less. For counties in the modified Phase 1 or Phase 2, indoor services can take place with up to 200 people or 25% capacity, whichever is less.
• June 12: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released guidance for card rooms to reopen in Phase 2 of the reopening plan. The guidance states that capacity in the card room designated area of each facility is capped at 25% or 40 individuals. Facilities must also conduct temperature checks at points of entry.
• June 11: On Wednesday, June 10, the Secretary of Health approved applications from three counties to advance to the next phase of reopening. Asotin County was approved to enter Phase 3, while Chelan and Douglas counties were approved to enter a modified Phase 1.
• June 5: Five counties were approved to move into the second phase of the state’s four-phase reopening plan, bringing the total in Phase 2 to 26. In Phase 2, up to five people can gather outside of the house and restaurants and taverns can allow indoor seating at 50% capacity. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a modified plan that allows counties in Phase 1 to adopt some of the looser restrictions in Phase 2. King County, the state’s most populous, applied for and was allowed to move into the modified Phase 1 plan on June 5. Three counties have moved into Phase 3.
• June 3: Following the expiration of the stay-at-home order on May 31 and the transition to a fully regional approach to reopening, three counties on June 3 applied to advance to Phase 3 of the reopening plan. Counties must stay in Phase 2 for three weeks before they can apply to move to the next stage. In Phase 3, theaters and gyms can reopen at 50% capacity, and public gatherings can include up to 50 people.
• June 1: The state’s stay-at-home order expired on May 31. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed a new “Safe Start - Stay Healthy’’ proclamation that transitions the reopening plan to a fully county-by-county approach. This gives counties more flexibility to move through the four phases of the reopening plan. Counties that remain in Phase One have the option to apply for and enter a modified Phase One plan, which allows the county to adopt some Phase Two activities. It was the 31st state to end a stay-at-home order (along with others that expired on May 31).

May 2020

• May 28: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced new gathering requirements for houses of worship at a press conference on May 27. In all phases, limits exclude staff. In counties that have entered Phase 1, outdoor services with up to 100 people are permitted. For counties in Phase 2, indoor services with up to 50 people or 25% capacity (whichever is less) are permitted. Religious communities may also hold in-home services in a private residence with up to 5 people. Staff and visitors are required to wear face coverings at all times and keep six feet of distance from other individuals or groups.
• May 27: Secretary of Health John Weisman approved three new counties to move into Phase 2 of the reopening plan, bringing the total number of counties in Phase 2 to 24. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated rules for outdoor recreation, allowing zoos in counties that have moved into Phase 2 to reopen at 25% capacity.
• May 26: On Saturday, May 23, Secretary of Health Jonn Weisman permitted seven counties to advance to Phase 2 of the reopening plan. Twenty-one of Washington's 39 counties have moved into Phase 2. Counties can apply to move into Phase 2 if they have an average of less than 10 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 days.
• May 19: On May 18, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that medical services like dentists and family practices may reopen immediately if they meet certain requirements: maintain enough personal protective equipment for staff, enforce social distancing, and check patients for COVID-19 symptoms. Asotin County became the 10th county to move into the second phase of Inslee’s (D) reopening plan.
• May 18: On May 15, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said restaurants will not be required to maintain a list of customer contact information to reopen, as originally planned. Restaurants are asked to maintain a list of customers who voluntarily share that information.
• May 15: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said he could not guarantee that Washington would be ready to move to Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan by June 1. Inslee said advancing to the next phase will depend on infection rates and contact tracing and isolation initiatives in Washington counties.
• May 14: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released guidance for personal service and professional service businesses in counties allowed to move into Phase 2 before the rest of the state. Under the reopening plan, counties with fewer than 75,000 people with no new COVID-19 cases in the three previous weeks can apply for a waiver to move into the second phase early. According to the guidance Inslee released May 13, if a county is allowed to move into Phase 2, personal services, including barbers and tattoo artists, and professional services, including accountants and attorneys, can reopen May 13 so long as they can meet all safety and health requirements.
• May 5: Washington began the first stage of its four-phase reopening plan Tuesday. During the first stage, individuals over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are encouraged to stay home and gatherings of any size, (except drive-in spiritual services) are prohibited. Golf courses are allowed to reopen with restrictions, and people can go fishing and hunting again. Landscaping services, car washes, and some construction businesses can reopen. Retail stores can begin curbside pick-up. Each phase will last a minimum of three weeks.

Vaccine distribution

This section contains a table of quick facts on the state’s vaccine distribution plan and a timeline of noteworthy events, including updates on vaccine availability for new groups of individuals, changes to state distribution plans, and much more. If you know of a noteworthy story we are missing, please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

The Washington State Department of Health released a distribution plan on October 16, 2020.

Quick facts

Washington state vaccination plan quick information
What governing entities are responsible for vaccine allocation and distribution?	COVID-19 Vaccine Planning and Coordination Team
Where can I find a quick breakdown of phases in my state?	Washington's COVID-19 vaccine phases
Where can I find the distribution plan?	Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
When was the plan first released to the public?	October 16, 2020
When was the plan most recently updated?	October 16, 2020
Where can I find answers to frequently asked questions?	Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine
Where can I find data related to the coronavirus in my state?	COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Where is the state health department's homepage?	Washington State Department of Health
Where can I find additional information about the state's vaccine distribution?	The COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan in Washington - AARP

Timeline

• June 17, 2021: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a vaccine incentive initiative for military members and veterans. A Heroes Thanks was scheduled to award prizes in a weekly drawing over the span of three weeks, beginning July 20. Prizes were scheduled to include cash, Amazon gift cards, and state park passes. The initiative was scheduled to end in the third week with a $250,000 cash prize.
• June 7, 2021: On June 7, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board announced Joints for Jabs, an initiative to encourage adults 21 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Under the initiative, adults who received at least one dose of a vaccine were eligible to get a free marijuana joint from a state-licensed dispensary.
• June 3, 2021: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced “Shot of a Lifetime,” a vaccine incentive initiative to encourage residents to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinated individuals would automatically be entered into a weekly drawing for a $250,000 cash prize, culminating in a final drawing at the end of June for a $1,000,000 prize. Vaccinated residents could also win higher education tuition credits, airline and sports game tickets, and gift cards.
• April 15, 2021: Washington residents 16 and older became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• March 31, 2021: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that residents 16 and older would become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on April 15.
• March 24, 2021: The Washington Department of Health confirmed that all residents 16 and older would become eligible for a vaccine on May 1.
• March 17, 2021: Washington residents in Phase 1B2 of the state’s vaccination plan became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Phase 1B2 was scheduled to include high-risk critical workers in industries such as agriculture, grocery stores, and public transit, as well as people 16 and older who were pregnant or at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 because of a disability.
• March 4, 2021: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced the next phase of eligibility would begin March 22 and would include grocery store employees, agriculture workers, firefighters, public transit workers, and people in law enforcement. Inslee said the timeline was dependent on vaccine supplies.
• March 2, 2021: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that K-12 teachers and child care workers could receive coronavirus vaccines.
• January 18, 2021: On Monday, Jan. 18, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that individuals 65 and older were eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. He also announced the creation of the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center, a mobilization effort to administer 45,000 vaccines a day with help from the National Guard and volunteers.

School reopenings and closures

See also: School responses in Washington to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Schools in Washington were closed to in-person instruction on March 17, 2020, and remained closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. To notify us of when schools were allowed to reopen statewide, email us. The timeline below lists statewide responses we tracked.

• June 29, 2021: At the end of the school year, Burbio reported a majority of schools were in-person in Washington .
• April 19, 2021: Washington public schools had to offer all K-12 students at least 30% in-person instruction every week by April 19. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed the proclamation March 15.
• March 12, 2021: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said he would issue an emergency proclamation requiring elementary schools to provide students at least two partial days of in-person instruction by April 5. Inslee said schools had to provide older students the same by April 19. As of March 15, Inslee had not signed the proclamation.
• December 16, 2020: On December 16, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated school reopening guidance for returning students to the classroom. The guidance, which wasn’t binding, gave schools three options based on the level of COVID-19 spread. For schools in counties with low spread, the guidance recommended in-person learning for all students. For schools in counties with moderate spread, the guidance recommended a phased approach starting with elementary students and increasing by grade level. In counties with high COVID-19 spread, the guidance recommended in-person learning in small groups for elementary and high-need students only.
• Sept. 10, 2020: At the beginning of the school year, Burbio reported most schools were using virtual or hybrid learning in Washington .
• June 11, 2020: Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal released guidance for reopening schools. The guidelines required face coverings for all students and staff and the development of alternate instruction plans for each school. Reykdal said that his expectation was for schools to reopen to in-person instruction in the fall.

• April 6, 2020: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 24.
• March 13, 2020: Inslee ordered all K-12 schools in the state to close for six weeks, effective March 17, and banned gatherings of more than 250 people in the state.

Statewide travel restrictions

See also: Travel restrictions issued by states in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

Does Washington have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) asked residents and travelers coming into Washington to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance.

More information can be found at Experience Washington.

Statewide mask requirements

See also: State-level mask requirements in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued a mask mandate requiring people to wear a face covering in indoor and outdoor public spaces. The order did not require masks outdoors if six feet of space could be maintained between people. Children under two were exempt from the mandate.

On April 27, Inslee announced that fully vaccinated individuals would no longer need to wear a mask while gathering or dining outdoors in small groups.

On May 13, Inslee announced that fully vaccinated individuals would no longer be required to wear masks while indoors.

On Aug. 18, Inslee announced that vaccinated and unvaccinated people would be required to wear masks indoors in most circumstances beginning Aug. 23. The requirement did not apply to small gatherings or office environments where everyone was vaccinated and interaction with the public was rare, or while working alone.

On Feb. 9, 2022, Inslee announced the state would lift its outdoor mask requirement on Feb. 18. On Feb. 17, Inslee announced the state would lift its indoor mask requirement on March 21. On Feb. 28, Inslee announced the mask requirement would end on March 12.

• Click here to expand the state's original mask order

Noteworthy lawsuits

See also: Lawsuits about state actions and policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

Washington League for Increased Transparency and Ethics v. Fox Corporation: On May 27, 2020, Judge Brian McDonald, of Washington's King County Superior Court, dismissed a claim by the Washington League for Increased Transparency and Ethics (WASH LITE) accusing Fox News of violating consumer protection laws with its COVID-19 coverage. In its complaint, WASH LITE alleged that Fox News "willfully and maliciously engaged in a campaign of deception and omission regarding the danger of the international proliferation of [COVID-19], which was reasonably relied upon by the public." WASH LITE asserted a violation of the Washington State Consumer Protection Act, claiming Fox News deprived the public of "information necessary to prevent and mitigate transmission of the virus" and led "viewers to take unnecessary risks and ignore the dangers of the virus." In dismissing WASH LITE’s claim, McDonald said that while the "professed goal in this lawsuit – to ensure that the public receives accurate information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 – is laudable," a CPA claim against a cable news channel like Fox News, "runs afoul of the protections of the First Amendment." Following the decision, Fox News said that the lawsuit "was not only wrong, but contemptuous of the foundation of free speech." An attorney for WASH LITE indicated the group would appeal the decision.

Sehmel v. Weisman: On July 1, 2020, a group of seven Washington residents sued Secretary of Health John Weisman in Lewis County Superior Court, seeking to enjoin enforcement of Health Order 20-03, which mandated face coverings in public to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In their complaint, the plaintiffs argued the mask requirement was arbitrary, capricious, and outside the statutory authority of the health secretary. The plaintiffs further argued masks had become so politicized that they amounted to symbolic speech; therefore, compelling the wearing of a mask "prohibits plaintiffs from expressing dissent" in violation of their right to free speech. The plaintiffs also claimed that, because they "have a fundamental right to wear the clothing of their choice and protect their own health as they see fit," the mask requirement invaded their personal autonomy in violation of their right to substantive due process. Shella Sadovnik, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said, "[The] Secretary of Health does not have sweeping power to pass rules and regulations imposing criminal penalties for refusing to kneel in submission." As of July 8, 2020, Weisman had not yet commented.

Slidewaters v. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: On July 14, 2020, Chief Judge Thomas Rice of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington refused to enjoin enforcement of Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) emergency COVID-19 business restrictions. A waterpark, Slidewaters at Lake Chelan, which had been forced to shutter summer operations as a result of the restrictions, sought the injunction. In its initial motion for a temporary restraining order, the waterpark challenged Inslee’s Proclamation 20-05, proclaiming a state of emergency for all counties in Washington; Proclamation 20-25.4, a four-phase plan for reopening the state; and Department of Labor and Industries (LNI) emergency rule WAC 296-800-14035, which established mechanisms to enforce the mandatory business closures. Though the temporary restraining order was denied on June 12, 2020, the plaintiff continued to seek a preliminary injunction, arguing, "(1) Governor Inslee does not have the authority to issue the emergency proclamations; (2) LNI does not have authority to issue an emergency rule based on the governor's unlawful emergency proclamations; and (3) defendants' actions have violated plaintiffs' substantive due process rights." Rice rejected these arguments, finding that Washington law allows a governor to proclaim a state of emergency during times of disorder. Rice also ruled that LNI acted within its power to issue emergency rules based on the governor's proclamation. Lastly, Rice dismissed the plaintiff's substantive due process claim: "It is not the court's role to second-guess the reasoned public health decisions of other branches of government." The plaintiff appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

On July 8, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed Rice's decision. Judge Richard Clifton, writing for a unanimous three-judge panel, said, "Defendants have the authority under Washington law to impose the restrictions and ... doing so does not violate Slidewaters' asserted rights under the U.S. Constitution." The Ninth Circuit found that the state's actions were rationally connected to the legitimate state interest of mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Wilkes v. Washington State Board of Education: On August 11, 2020, three families filed suit in Washington’s Thurston County Superior Court, arguing that the state’s remote education plans, implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, denied their special needs children the right to a basic education. The plaintiffs alleged violations of Article IX, Sections 1 and 2, of the Washington Constitution, which guarantee all students a basic education, and the corresponding Basic Education Act, which requires an annual average of at least 1,000 to 1,080 instructional hours over the course of at least 180 school days. The plaintiffs argued that the state has approved instruction methods that were "inaccessible to those students with disabilities who need intense support in order to learn and make progress," thereby infringing upon their right to a basic education. Reacting to the suit, Randy Spaulding, the executive director of the State Board of Education said, "The State Board believes it has acted in a legal and appropriate manner in this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Washington v. DeVos: On August 21, 2020, Judge Barbara Rothstein, of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, granted a request by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D) to block a U.S. Department of Education interim final rule regulating distribution of roughly $13.5 billion in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) aid. In its complaint, the state argued that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos had violated "the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), separation of powers, and the Spending Clause in the United States Constitution," by promulgating a rule "contrary to the clear, express statutory language of the CARES Act." The state further argued that the rule, if implemented, would deprive Washington’s public elementary and secondary schools from receiving emergency relief funds, as it would "either limit which public schools can use the funds, or reallocate significant funds to private schools regardless of student need." Rothstein ruled in the state's favor, finding that "private schools [would] receive a larger share of CARES Act funding than they would under a straight-forward application" of the act's poverty-based formula. Rothstein concluded that the rule "was in excess of statutory authority and not in accordance with law."

Barry v. University of Washington: On September 16, 2020, a University of Washington (UW) student filed a class-action lawsuit seeking tuition reimbursement for campus closures. In the complaint, filed in King County Superior Court, UW graduate student Alexander Barry argued that "[d]espite sending students home, transitioning to online instruction, and closing its campuses, the University of Washington continued to charge for tuition … as if nothing changed, continuing to reap the financial benefit of millions of dollars from students." In so doing, the class-action alleged UW’s "failure to provide in-person instruction and shutdown of campus facilities amounts to a material breach of the contract." The complaint argued that contract law, constitutional guarantees, and "good conscience require that the University of Washington return a portion of the monies paid in tuition and fees." In a statement, UW spokesperson Victor Balta said university officials "understand and share the frustration and disappointment that students and their families are experiencing as we navigate the unprecedented limitations presented by the COVID-19 pandemic," but declined to comment directly on the pending litigation.

Officials and candidates diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus

See also: Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

The table below lists officials or candidates who have been diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus. The most recent announcements appear first.

Name	Office	Date	Status
Tom Dent	Washington House of Representatives District 13-Position 1	October 21, 2020	On October 21, 2020, Dent's assistant announced that Dent had tested positive for coronavirus on October 8.
Jenny Graham (Washington)	Washington House of Representatives District 6-Position 2	November 3, 2020	Graham announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19 and was recovering at home.
Dan Newhouse	U.S. House Washington District 4	November 18, 2020	Newhouse announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.
Doug Ericksen	Washington State Senate District 42	November 12, 2021	The Seattle Times reported on November 12, 2021, that Ericksen tested positive for COVID-19.
Andy Billig	Washington State Senate District 3	January 8, 2022	Billig announced on January 8, 2022, that he tested positive for COVID-19. He said he was vaccinated at the time he contracted the virus.
John Lovick	Washington State Senate District 44	January 7, 2022	Lovick announced on January 7, 2022, that he tested positive for COVID-19. He said he was vaccinated at the time he contracted the virus.
Mari Leavitt	Washington House of Representatives District 28-Position 1	January 14, 2022	Leavitt announced on January 14, 2022, that she tested positive for COVID-19. She said she was vaccinated at the time she contracted the virus.
Pramila Jayapal	U.S. House Washington District 7	January 11, 2021	Jayapal announced that she had tested positive for coronavirus after sheltering with Republican colleagues who she said refused to wear masks during the January 6 breach of the Capitol.
Bob Ferguson	Washington Attorney General	December 23, 2021	Ferguson announced on December 23, 2021, that he tested positive for COVID-19. He said he was vaccinated at the time he contracted the virus.
Rick Larsen	U.S. House Washington District 2	December 23, 2020	Larsen announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.

Paths to recovery by state

To read about other states’ responses and recoveries, click one of the links below:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Other state government responses

To view previous coverage areas, including changes to 2020 election dates and policies, initial stay-at-home orders, coronavirus-related legislation, and much more, click a state in the map below.

Choose your state...AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington, D.C.West VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

https://ballotpedia.org/Government_responses_to_and_political_effects_of_the_coronavirus_pandemic,_2020_(STATE)

General resources

The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Education
• World Health Organization
• Trends in Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in the US Reported to CDC, by State/Territory
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations, Our World in Data (Number of vaccines administered)
• Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, New York Times (Progress of vaccine trials)

See also

• Documenting America's Path to Recovery
• School responses in Washington to the coronavirus pandemic
• School responses to the coronavirus pandemic by state
• COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state
• Travel restrictions by state
• Federal government responses to the coronavirus pandemic