Inslee again extends COVID restrictions for Washington State

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced Tuesday the extension of his coronavirus mandated restrictions through at least January 4, 2021, effectively cancelling Christmas, Chanukah and New Year's for Washingtonians. The restrictions, originally imposed by Inslee on Nov. 15, were set to last until at least Dec. 14.

"We have to face reality that we're in a very dire situation," he said during the press conference, adding that 80 percent of the state's hospital beds are currently in use. The governor's restrictions affect all social gatherings, bars, restaurants, retail, gyms, and religious services.

Some were quick to wonder if the situation is so dire, why the National Guard has not been called up to set up field hospitals like they did at the start of the pandemic. Field hospitals that went unused having seen no patients and were dismantled after only a week in service.

Inslee also announced an additional $50 million in state grants and loans will be available to small businesses in addition to the $50 million announced in late November when the new restrictions originally went into effect, to help combat the economic impact of the extended closures.

Many businesses fear it will not be enough or come in time to save their companies and employee's livelihoods. Inslee claims that the hardest hit hospitality and leisure industry will be the primary focus of the new grants. Newly released data released by Visit Seattle and Smith Travel Research shows Seattle's hotel industry has the worst occupancy rates along the entire west coast with an occupancy rate at 20 percent.

Over 25 hotels have closed and over 130 restaurants will not re-open in downtown Seattle. The hospitality industry says it stands to lose over 100,000 jobs because of the restrictions. The city and state could lose upwards of $651 million in tax revenue in 2020. The Washington State Hospitality Association warns that 35 percent of restaurants could close for good

The pandemic and restrictions are not the only contributing factor to the permanent business closures. Many business owners place the blame squarely on the politicians who failed to quell the ongoing riots in the city and the armed occupation of 6 blocks of Seattle which became national news, including Inslee's comment claiming that he had not heard about the occupation from any credible source.

The restrictions come even as Great Britain gave out their first doses of the coronavirus vaccine and American health officials confirm their optimistic outlook of the Pfizer vaccine which they hope will be given out to American citizens this month once federal approval is received.

The full list of restrictions are:

• Indoor social gatherings with people from outside your household are prohibited.
• Outdoor social gatherings should be limited to five people from outside your household.
• Restaurants and bars are closed for indoor service. Outdoor dining and to-go service are permitted. The table size limit for outdoor dining is five people.
• Fitness facilities and gyms are closed for indoor operations. Outdoor fitness classes may still occur, but they are limited by the outdoor gathering restriction listed above. Drop-off childcare is closed.
• Bowling centers are closed for indoor service.
• Miscellaneous venues: All retail activities and business meetings are prohibited. Only professional training and testing that cannot be performed remotely is allowed. Occupancy in each meeting room is limited to 25 percent or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
• Movie theaters are closed for indoor service. Drive-in movie theaters are still permitted and must follow the current drive-in movie theater guidance.
• Museums, zoos and aquariums are closed for indoor service.
• Real estate open houses are prohibited.
• Wedding and funeral receptions are prohibited. Ceremonies are limited to no more than 30 people.
• In-store retail is limited to 25 percent indoor occupancy and must close any common seating areas. Indoor seating at food courts is prohibited.
• Religious services are limited to 25 percent indoor occupancy/no more than 200 people, whichever is fewer. No choir, band or ensemble shall perform during the service. Soloists are permitted to perform. Congregation members must wear face coverings the entire time and no congregational singing.
• Professional services are required to mandate that employees work from home when possible and to close offices to the public. If they remain open, occupancy is restricted to 25 percent.
• Personal services are limited to 25 percent of maximum occupancy.
• Long-term care facilities will have outdoor visits only. Exceptions can be made for essential people and end-of-life care.
• Youth (school and non-school) and adult sporting activities are limited to outdoor-only intrateam practices and athletes must wear masks.