May 4, 2021 Update: Spokane County remains in Phase 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery Plan
Gov. Inslee announced a two-week pause on movement in the Healthy Washington—Roadmap to Recovery plan. Spokane County remains in Phase 3. At the end of two weeks, each county will be re-evaluated.
- See the governor’s release and blog.
- See the Spokane Regional Health District press release
- COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers
The governor’s office made the decision with guidance from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Current data suggest Washington’s fourth wave of the pandemic has hit a plateau and is leveling out. Generally, the fourth wave has been less severe than previous waves, and cases and mortalities have not been tied in rates of increase as they have previously. Increasing vaccination rates are believed to be the driver behind lessened illness severity and shorter hospital stays.
Vaccines are available to all Washingtonians age 16 years and older and are our best option to return to normalcy and further reopening. It is important for everyone, especially younger adults, to do everything they can to help reduce risk. Getting vaccinated and following COVID-19 safety guidelines—wearing a mask, washing your hands and maintaining physical distancing all contribute to reducing risk and keeping our communities safe. These measures will help our communities and businesses to reopen.
If we do not continue to meet the criteria in the Roadmap to Recovery plan, the state can move our county back to Phase 1 or 2.
About the Plan
Gov. Inslee introduced the Healthy Washington—Roadmap to Recovery on Jan. 5, 2021. The plan eased some COVID-19 restrictions while continuing to maintain hospital capacity for Washingtonians as we work toward economic recovery.
To stay in Phase 3, Spokane County must keep a 14-day average of new COVID cases at or below 200 per 100,000 residents, and a seven-day average of new hospitalizations per 100,000 at five or fewer. Phase 3 allows increased sports and fitness activities as well as increased indoor activities, including at home and at restaurants and events. See the Metrics and Phase 3 Activities tabs above for more information.