reopening Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

From ‘Freaking Pissed’ To ‘Big Things’: How One Olympia Gym Survived The Pandemic Uncertainty

By Austin Jenkins July 13, 2021

Participants run through a series of exercise circuits during a lunchtime class at Athena Fitness and Wellness in Olympia. The women-owned business opened right before the COVID-19 pandemic struck and survival was never certain. But with the help of grants, loans, a GoFundMe campaign and assistance from their landlord, the owners managed to keep their doors open.

It was almost a year ago that Athena Fitness in Olympia was facing financial doom. The women-owned business had opened just before the pandemic struck. In August of last year, new COVID restrictions threatened to put the owners out of business. So, what’s happened since?Read More

15 Months Into Restrictions, Washington Mostly Drops COVID Business And Crowd Limitations

By NWPB News June 30, 2021

A sign at the El Sarape restaurant advertises outdoor seating, Jan. 5, 2021, in Olympia, Wash., as indoor dining was prohibited statewide due the the governor's coronavirus safety measures. CREDIT: Ted S. Warren/AP

Fifteen months after Washington state's first “stay at home” order was issued in response to the coronavirus, businesses across the state are now allowed to return to pre-pandemic operations.Read More

Governor Says All Washington Counties Will Stay In Their Current Reopening Phase…For Now

By NWPB News May 4, 2021

Washington Governor Jay Inslee wearing a mask and speaking from his desk during a press conference

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday said all of the state’s counties will remain in their current phase of the state’s economic reopening plan and won’t face more restrictions because new COVID cases are levelling off after a recent spike.Read More

Washington Says Events Like Sports And Concerts Can Increase Capacity With Vaccinated Sections

By NWPB News May 3, 2021

Galen Rupp of Portland qualified for his fourth Olympics by winning the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials last year. Here he is at the 2016 Olympic Track and Field Team Trials. CREDIT: Tom Banse/N3

More people will be allowed at indoor and outdoor spectator events and indoor religious services if there are designated COVID-19 vaccination sections, under new guidance issued by Gov. Jay Inslee Monday.Read More

Ferry County Moves Back To Phase 2 Due To COVID Outbreak After Maskless Parties At Eagles Club

By Doug Nadvornick May 1, 2021

Washington's Northwest Tri County Health District covers the rural region encompassing Pend Oreille, Stevens and Ferry counties. Courtesy NETCHD via Facebook

The Northeast Tri-County Health District on Friday announced that it has moved Ferry County back a step because of an outbreak, brought upon, at least in part, by two maskless parties at an Eagles’ Lodge in Republic in mid-April.Read More

More Washington Counties – From Largest To Very Rural – At Risk Of Reverting Back To Phase 2

By Tom Banse April 28, 2021

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to soon roll back the economic reopening of more counties because of rising coronavirus cases. Reverting to Phase 2 would force businesses, museums and churches to reduce indoor capacity.Read More

Whitman, Pierce, Cowlitz Counties Moved Back To Phase 2 In Washington’s COVID Reopening Plan

By Scott Leadingham April 12, 2021

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee toured a mass COVID-19 vaccination site at the Spokane Arena on April 4, 2021, the same day he announced changes to the evaluation metric for how the state may move counties back in reopening phases. Spokane is a county on the bubble of possibly moving back. Courtesy of the Governor's Office via Twitter

Gov. Jay Inslee announced Monday that Whitman, Pierce and Cowlitz counties would be affected. It comes after Inslee changed the criteria last Friday, saying counties had to fail two key metrics in order to revert backward.Read More

Governor Says Washington Counties Now Must Fail In 2 Metrics To Be Moved Back A Phase

By NWPB News April 9, 2021

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Friday that counties now must fail in two metrics to be moved back a phase in their reopening. The governor says the state won't act unless counties have both a high hospitalization and case rate.Read More

Jay Inslee Announces Plan To Move All Washington Counties To Phase 3 Starting March 22

By Austin Jenkins March 11, 2021

Washington officials expect the state's vaccine supply to continue to increase. On Thursday, Gov. Inslee announced a plan to advance all of the state's 39 counties into the next phase of his reopening plan.

It's the news many have been waiting for. Starting March 22, all 39 Washington counties will advance to Phase 3 under a revised COVID-19 reopening plan Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled on Thursday.Read More

Governor Says No Washington Counties Will Move Back To Phase 1 Of Reopening – Yet

By NWPB News February 25, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee has recently found himself on the defensive in the face of criticism, even from some Democrats, over his approach to reopening regions of the state. CREDIT: TVW

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said none of the state’s regions will revert back to more restrictive COVID-19 requirements under the state’s economic reopening plan under a pause in potential rollbacks the Democratic governor announced Thursday amid dropping case counts.Read More

Why Opening Restaurants Is Exactly What The Coronavirus Wants Us To Do

By NWPB News February 15, 2021

To justify their reopening decisions, governors point to falling case counts. “We make decisions based on facts,” Cuomo said. “New York City numbers are down.” But epidemiologists and public health experts say a crucial factor is missing from these calculations: the threat of new viral variants. One coronavirus variant, which originated in the United Kingdom and is now Read More

All Washington Counties Can Advance To Phase 2 Reopening As State Fixes Hospital Data

By NWPB News February 14, 2021

Sign on restaurant door in Spokane saying when it will reopen from covid closure with multiple dates crossed out and finally saying "who knows"

The south-central region of Washington's 8-region area for coronavirus restrictions can immediately reopen. That news came Sunday from the state Department of Health. It means the counties encompassing Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities, Yakima and Ellensburg can advance to Phase 2.Read More

Jay Inslee Defends Reopening Plan In Face Of Criticism, Including From Fellow Democrats

By Austin Jenkins February 5, 2021

“Inconsistent.” “Disastrous.” “Senseless.” Those are just some of the words being used to describe Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s plan for reopening the state – and they’re the words of his fellow Democrats. It’s a sign of rising frustration over the slow pace of getting restaurants, gyms and other businesses open again.Read More

Governor Advances Idaho Into Next Phase Of Reopening, Citing Declining COVID Case Rates

By Doug Nadvornick February 2, 2021

Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced a statewide pullback to a modified Phase 2 of reopening on Nov. 13, 2020. But he declined to issue a mask mandate, as most other states in the region have done in some form. CREDIT: Idaho Public Television/Governor's Office

Idaho Gov. Brad Little says his state will move from Stage 2 to Stage 3 in its coronavirus reopening protocol. Little announced Tuesday that groups of up to 50 may now gather, as long as they take precautions with masks and physical distancing.Read More

Governor Adjusts Reopening Criteria; 2 Western Washington Regions Can Begin Monday

By Austin Jenkins January 28, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday announced adjustments to his phased reopening plan that will allow two western Washington regions, comprising seven counties and nearly 60 percent of the state’s population, to move to Phase 2 beginning on Monday.Read More

Washington Legislators Unveil $2.2 Billion COVID-19 Financial Relief Package

By NWPB News January 22, 2021

The plan includes $618 million to boost vaccination efforts and contact tracing. It also includes $668 million for school assistance, $365 million to aid renters and landlords and $240 million for grants to businesses.Read More

Where Is It Safe To Reopen Schools? New Research Offers Answers

By NPR News January 10, 2021

A first-grader raises her hand at Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School in Fall River, Mass., in November. Jessica Rinaldi/Boston Globe via Getty Images

Since the beginning of this pandemic, experts and educators have feared that open schools would spread the coronavirus further, which is why so many classrooms remain closed. But a new, nationwide study suggests reopening schools may be safer than previously thought, at least in communities where the virus is not already spreading out of control.Read More

Washington Governor Unveils New Business Reopening Plan, Moving To More Regional Approach

By NWPB News January 5, 2021

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021 a new regional approach to economic reopening, getting away from the previous four-phase county-by-county approach from 2020. CREDIT: TVW

On Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a phased reopening plan for restaurants and gyms, that is not set entirely by a county-by-county approach, as before. In Phase 2, restaurants and gyms can resume indoor dining/activities at 25% capacity. But in order to qualify to move there, four metrics will have to be trending downward including a 10% reduction in COVID case rates, Read More

Jay Inslee Extends Washington COVID Closures To Jan. 11, More Reopening Details Coming Soon

By NWPB News December 30, 2020

On Sunday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the last hurdle has been cleared for the distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The first shipments should arrive Monday and the first doses could be administered starting Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday extended restrictions on businesses and social gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic for another week. Inslee said the restrictions are now due to expire Jan. 11.Read More

Unlike Washington, Idaho Governor Keeps Asking, But Not Mandating, People Follow COVID Measures

By Scott Leadingham December 10, 2020

Idaho Gov. Brad Little spoke during a virtual press conference Dec. 10 and pleaded with residents to use masks in public and reduce gatherings. But he doubled down on not mandating anything statewide. CREDIT: Idaho Public Television/screenshot

“I don’t know that there’s been anyone who’s a bigger advocate for changing behavior,” Gov. Brad Little said Thursday. “What I want is compliance. And we’re just having an issue (with compliance).” Read More

‘Warning Signs Flashing’: Job Growth Slows Sharply As Pandemic Takes Toll On Economy

By NPR News December 4, 2020

A person cleans a table in an outdoor tented dining area of a restaurant in Sacramento, Calif., on Nov. 19. Job growth slowed sharply in November as relief aid is due to expire at the end of the year. CREDIT: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

U.S. employers added just 245,000 jobs last month as the runaway pandemic continued to weigh on hiring. The unemployment rate fell to 6.7% from 6.9% in October.Read More

Panic Buying, Washington Businesses Close For Good As New COVID Restrictions Loom

By Austin Jenkins November 16, 2020

Toilet paper is sold out at a Safeway store in Tumwater, Washington. A wave of 'panic buying' followed news that Gov. Jay Inslee was instituting tough new restrictions to address a third wave of Covid-19.

Washington Republicans say the Legislature should immediately meet in special session to address the economic fallout from Gov. Jay Inslee’s latest Covid-19 orders – and even consider tapping the state’s “rainy day” fund.Read More

Washington Governor Announces: Bars, Restaurants Closed Again; Most Indoor Gatherings Banned

By NWPB News November 15, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced another round of coronavirus closures statewide on Nov. 15, 2020 as case positivity rates and hospitalizations have gone up in recent weeks. CREDIT: TVW/screenshot

"We are today in a more dangerous position than we were in March when our first stay-home order was issued," Gov. Jay Inslee said during a Sunday press conference. "In March, we were heading into the summer months. And we were largely successful relative to other states because of the combination that we acted early we did not wait," he added.Read More

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee To Announce New Statewide COVID-19 Restrictions Sunday

By Austin Jenkins November 14, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced additional measures to combat coronavirus on July 23, 2020. CREDIT: TVW

While Inslee's office did not release details in advance of the 11 a.m. Sunday event, industry group emails sent to grocery store and restaurant owners, and obtained by the public radio Northwest News Network, outlined what Inslee is expected to order.Read More

Idaho Gov. Brad Little Activates National Guard, Moves State Back To Phase 2 As COVID Cases Grow

By NWPB News November 13, 2020

The governor's executive order activated 100 National Guard troopers to assist with mobile testing support, medical facility decontamination, COVID-19 screenings, logistical support and more. He also signed a public health order moving Idaho back to a modified version of Stage 2 of the state’s four-stage reopening plan, effective Saturday.Read More

Idaho Moving Back To Phase 3 Of Reopening, Governor Says, As COVID-19 Cases Rise

By Scott Leadingham October 26, 2020

Idaho Gov. Brad Little speaks at a news conference in Boise on March 13. Less than four months after the state confirmed its first case of the coronavirus, it has emerged as one of the nation's biggest hot spots. Keith Ridler/AP

Idaho is moving backward. That was the announcement Monday from Gov. Brad Little. He said the entire state will move back to its previous stage of reopening: Phase 3. Read More

Governor Inslee Moves Remaining Washington Counties To Phase 2; Whitman County Adds Deaths

By Scott Leadingham October 13, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Tuesday, Oct. 13, that the remaining Washington counties, all in central Washington, could advance to Phase 2 of the state's four-phase plan. CREDIT: TVW

No more Washington counties will be in Phase 1 of the state’s four-phase reopening plan. Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that Chelan, Douglas, Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties could advance to Phase 2.Read More

Some Washington Theaters, Restaurants Can Open More; Whitman County Sees First COVID Death

By NWPB News October 7, 2020

A movie theater is seen closed due to the coronavirus pandemic on July 2, 2020, in Brea, Calif. The U.S. economy shrank at a record 32.9% rate in the second quarter as the pandemic cost tens of millions of jobs. CREDIT: Jae C. Hong/AP

Washington state libraries, theaters and some youth sports will now have fewer restrictions during certain stages of re-opening. It’s part of Gov. Jay Inslee’s revised plan announced Tuesday afternoon.Read More

Washington Counties In Modified Phase 1 Get Updated Reopening Guidance, With Full ‘Pause’ Still On

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa August 26, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks at a news conference at Columbia Basin College in Pasco June 30, 2020. Hecklers yelling at him, some with signs and flags for Trump 2020 and Republican gubernatorial candidate Loren Culp, caused the event to be moved inside. CREDIT: Courtney Flatt/NWPB

Effective Thursday, churches and restaurants in Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Chelan and Douglas counties can open their doors to let guests inside — though just to 25% capacity. Outdoors, groups of up to five people from different households can meet up or attend fitness classes. Read More

Once The Center Of Pandemic In Washington, Yakima Shows ‘Significant Decline’ In Cases

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa August 20, 2020

File photo. Gov. Jay Inslee visited Yakima, shown here on June 16, 2020, as the county's coronavirus numbers continued to grow at a rate that suggested it would be hard for it to move beyond Phase 1 of reopening. The Health District then issued a masking directive to encourage more use of face coverings. Courtesy of Governor's Office

In June, the Yakima Health District was reporting as many as 200 new COVID-19 cases per day. Now, daily cases are in the 20s since Sunday, Aug. 16. Gov. Jay Inslee says the county’s early masking directive is the likely cause.Read More

Rural Schools In Idaho (And All Over) Struggle With Road Ahead In Era Of Coronavirus

By NPR News August 17, 2020

Third grade teacher Maya Davis attends training before her school district reopens. CREDIT: Kirk Siegler/NPR

Some schools across the country are under pressure to reopen for in-person classes, even in states like Idaho where coronavirus cases continue to rise out of control.Read More

Tri-Cities And Yakima County Get Additional Business And Recreational Openings Within Their Phase 1

By Scott Leadingham July 29, 2020

File photo. Customers flocked to the River Mile 38 brewpub in Cathlamet after it reopened its tasting room and patio in mid-May. Wahkiakum County is in the vanguard of Washington counties advancing through Safe Start reopening phases. CREDIT: Tom Banse/N3

Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties have been approved for more business and recreational activities beginning this Saturday. The approval means additional operations within the counties’ current modified Phase 1 – not moving to a full Phase 2. Read More

Jay Inslee Announces Changes To Business Operations Due To COVID-19; WSU Goes (Mostly) Online

By Scott Leadingham July 23, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says the coronavirus pandemic continues to greatly affect the state in serious and dangerous ways. In a news conference Thursday, Inslee announced updates to the state’s ongoing response and four-phase reopening plan.Read More

Can Wider Mask Usage Avert A Return To More Closures? Here’s What The Science Says

By NPR News July 23, 2020

Scientists estimate that near-universal mask use could make a major difference in bringing down coronavirus infections in the United States. Sean Gardner/Getty Images

How can communities stop coronavirus case surges without crushing the economy? Some scientists say widespread mask wearing may be more than a helpful precaution — it may be the solution.Read More

Breweries, Wineries In Tri-Cities And Yakima May Need To Close Under Clarified Reopening Guidance

By Courtney Flatt July 17, 2020

Old Schoolhouse Brewery owner Jacob Young serves food to his customers. He says when there's little smoke and fires are far away, he sees more patrons.CREDIT: COURTNEY FLATT

Wineries and breweries in Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties must keep their doors closed for now, unless they serve food out of their own kitchens. That’s the updated guidance for the three counties, which are seeing some of the highest numbers of coronavirus cases in Washington. Read More

Jay Inslee Announces Restrictions On Social Gatherings For Some Counties As COVID-19 Cases Grow

By Scott Leadingham July 16, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced a 10-person limit on social gatherings in current Phase 3 counties during a July 16 press briefing. CREDIT: TVW

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says there is a concerning rise in the rate of coronavirus infections in the state. On Thursday he announced one measure to address it as counties wait in limbo for further reopening. Beginning Monday, July 20, social gatherings in current Phase 3 counties will be limited to 10 or fewer people.Read More

Washington Will Continue Pause On County Reopening, Could See Rollback As COVID-19 Cases Rise

By Austin Jenkins July 14, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Tuesday, July 14 that the state will pause further reopenings until at least July 28. CREDIT: TVW

This week Oregon and California took steps to slow or rollback their re-openings, and Washington could be next, Gov. Jay Inslee said. Dramatic growth in COVID cases over the past month has pushed the state over its previous peak in April.Read More

Yakima, Tri-Cities Eye Modified Phase 1, But ‘We Have To Remain Vigilant’ With Mask Use, Officials Say

By NWPB News July 2, 2020

Farmworkers in Yakima’s fruit-packing industry walked off production lines in May and went on strike, demanding more protections against the coronavirus pandemic. Above, Emmanuel Anguiano-Mendoza (left) and Agustin López hold posters featuring David Cruz, a worker who died on May 30. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

County officials in eastern Washington rushed applications to the state Thursday evening to reopen their economies. It came the same day Gov. Jay Inslee announced the state would approve their plans to reopen and put others on pause for two weeks. Read More

Washington Governor Puts 2-Week Pause On Further County Reopening, Strengthens Mask Order

By Tom Banse July 2, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced a two week pause in further reopening via video conference on July 2, 2020. CREDIT: Washington Governor's Office

Washington Governor Jay Inslee and the state Health Secretary are hitting the pause button on the county-by-county reopening process in response to the worsening coronavirus pandemic. Inslee announced that for at least the next two weeks all counties in Washington state will stay in whatever reopening phase they are currently in -- with a couple of exceptions.Read More

Yakima County Gym Becomes 1st Business Fined For Violating Closure Order

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa July 1, 2020

One Anytime Fitness franchisee location in Yakima County has been fined nearly $10,000 for staying open despite not being allowed to operate given the county’s current operating phase. It’s the first business fined for ignoring Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start” measures. Read More

Washington State Leaders Hesitant About Counties Moving To Final Phase 4 Of State Reopening Plan

By Tom Banse June 24, 2020

Thinly populated, rural counties in Washington -- such as Columbia County, seen here -- are in the vanguard of the state reopening process, but the final stage appears to be delayed. CREDIT: Tom Banse/N3

Washington state leaders are expressing hesitancy about opening the door to the final phase of the governor's four-phase reopening plan. By the end of this week, eight rural counties will have spent the minimum three weeks in Phase 3 and can then theoretically apply to lift most remaining coronavirus restrictions.Read More

Washington’s Smallest Counties Will Lead The Way Into Phase 3 Of State’s Reopening Plan

By Tom Banse June 4, 2020

Nine rural counties are eligible to apply to the state Secretary of Health this week to move to the next stage in Gov. Jay Inslee's four-phase reopening plan. Lincoln, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Columbia and Wahkiakum counties wasted no time and submitted the necessary paperwork and letters of support on Wednesday to advance from Phase 2 to Phase 3.Read More

The Coast Is Clear(ing): Tourist Lodgings Reopening Along Washington And Oregon Shores

By Tom Banse June 3, 2020

A getaway to the seashore is back in the realm of possibility as many coastal Oregon and Washington towns relax closure orders on tourist lodgings and vacation rentals.Read More

Cases In Chelan And Douglas Counties Challenge Governor’s Statewide Coronavirus Measures

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa May 29, 2020

The Chelan County Courthouse in Wentachee, Washington. Courtesy of Chelan County

Residents of Chelan and Douglas counties have filed lawsuits against Gov. Jay Inslee, demanding an injunction on his emergency measures to address coronavirus in Washington.Read More

Washington’s ‘Stay Home’ Order Ends June 1, With State Moving To County-By-County Approach

By NWPB News May 29, 2020

A COVID-19 test kit. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has instructed state health officials to test all nursing home staff and residents in the coming weeks, according to a state doctor.

Gov. Jay Inslee's stay-at-home order will end at midnight on May 31. Instead, state officials will use a phased plan outlined at the beginning of the month to govern county-by-county reopening permissions.Read More

Idaho Moves To Phase 3 Of 4-Stage Reopening Plan

By Doug Nadvornick May 29, 2020

File photo. Gov. Brad Little speaks March 13, 2020 at a news conference. On Wednesday, April 15, he extended a stay-at-home order to the end of April, saying it’s needed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. CREDIT: Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP

Idaho Governor Brad Little announced Thursday his state is ready to move on to the next phase of its coronavirus reopening plan, beginning Saturday, May 30.Read More

40.8 Million Out Of Work In The Past 10 Weeks — 26% Of Labor Force

By NPR News May 28, 2020

A Seattle barbershop remains closed because of the coronavirus outbreak on May 19. Last week, an additional 2.1 million people filed for unemployment benefits around the country.

More than 1 in 4 U.S. workers have lost their jobs since coronavirus shutdowns began. Last week, an additional 2.1 million people filed for unemployment benefits.Read More

New Guidelines For In-Person Religious Services As Washington Continues Phased Reopening

By NWPB News May 27, 2020

Father Jose Alvarez, right, during walk and drive through confessions on Friday, April 24, 2020, in the parking lot at Holy Roman Catholic Church in White Center. CREDIT: Megan Farmer/KUOW

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is allowing religious services to resume – but with restrictions. In Phase 1 counties, outdoor services with up to 100 people are now allowed. In counties approved for Phase 2, indoor services are allowed at 25-percent capacity or with fewer than 50 people, whichever is less.Read More

Some Countries Have Brought New Cases Down To Nearly Zero. How’d They Do It?

By NPR News May 27, 2020

It's a diverse mix of places — New Zealand, Vietnam, Germany, Costa Rica. A look at the keys to their success in controlling the coronavirus.Read More

Kittitas County Can Moves To Phase 2 Reopening, Three Weeks After Outbreak Paused Application

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa May 27, 2020

Kittitas County paused its application to reopen some businesses early after positive COVID-19 case at food processer Twin City Foods in Ellensburg. CREDIT: Google Maps - July 2012

Many Washington counties have qualified to move on to Phase 2 and reopen certain businesses ahead of others. More than 20 already have. But Kittitas just got approved – after being one of the first counties to qualify. Read More