COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers

For the latest COVID-19 information and resources visit coronavirus.wa.gov.

On May 31^st, 2020 Governor Inslee signed Proclamation 20-25.4 and outlined his "Safe Start" plan for a county-by-county phased reopening. Under the plan, businesses and activities will reopen in phases with adequate social distancing measures & health standards in place. Businesses may also need to meet additional requirements developed specifically for their industry.

Guidance updated in the last week will be marked with a .

COVID-19 Gatherings Frequently Asked Questions

Memo regarding July 24 changes to reopening guidance available here. Additional updates to below guidance are pending. 

Essential Business Guidance

Many parts of the economy are already allowed to operate safely as essential businesses. For a list of essential businesses click here.

• Agriculture – issued May 28 (updated July 10)
• Additional Agricultural Guidance – issued June 2
• Automotive, Energy, Food and Agriculture, Healthcare/Public Health, In-Home Care, Maintenance, Recreation, Real Estate, and Retail Guidance – issued March 31
• Construction Guidance – issued March 25
• Commercial driver license guidelines – issued May 7
• Elective Surgeries Guidance – issued April 29 
• Funeral Guidance – issued March 28
• Home Care Workers Guidance – issued June 22 (memo)
• Long-Term Care Facility Guidance – issued 8
  • Adult family homes, assisted living facilities and enhanced services facilities
  • Certified community residential services and support
  • Nursing homes and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Outdoor Guidance – issued April 27
• Real Estate and Mortgage Guidance – issued March 27
• List of approved essential workforce education programs – issued May 7 (updated May 19) 
• Higher Education – issued May 7 (updated June 1) and Campus Reopening Guide – issued June 24

Phase 1 Business Activity Guidelines

• Additional Guidance on Voluntary Contact Information – issued May 15
• Car Washes Requirements – issued May 7​ (memo)
• Construction – issued April 24
• Additional Construction Guidance – issued April 29
• Curbside Retail – issued May 8 (memo)
• Higher Education – issued June 1 and Campus Reopening Guide – issued June 24
• Landscape Services and Outdoor Maintenance Industry – issued May 8 (memo)
• Outdoor Recreation – issued May 14 (updated June 9 [memo])
• Outdoor Recreation- Golf – issued May 15
• Pet Walking Industry – issued May 8 (memo)
• Recreational Activities* – issued June 9 (memo) (updated June 24)
• Religious and Faith Organizations – issued May 27 (updated August 10)
• Vehicle and Vessel Sales Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions – issued May 6
• Washington Talking Book and Braille Library – issued June 2 (memo)
• Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services – issued June 18 (updated July 28)

*Modified Phase 1 Guidance

Phase 2 Business Activity Guidelines

• Additional Guidance on Voluntary Contact Information – issued May 15
• Agricultural Events – issued August 10 (memo)
• Card Rooms – issued June 12 (memo) (updated July 24)
• Construction – issued May 15 (memo) (updated July 2)
• Curbside Library Services – issued June 2 (memo)
• Dine-in restaurants and taverns – issued May 11 (updated July 24)
• Drive-in Theaters – issued June 2 (memo)
• Domestic Services – issued June 9 (memo)
• Fitness – issued May 19 (updated August 3) (memo)
  • Frequently Asked Questions – issued August 7
• Higher Education – issued June 1 and Campus Reopening Guide – issued June 24
• In-store retail - issued May 12 (memo)
• Manufacturing operations - issued May 12 (memo)
• Motion Picture Industry - issued July 8
• Outdoor Recreation – issued May 14 (updated June 9 [memo])
• Outdoor Recreation- Golf – issued May 15 (updated June 9 [memo])
• Overnight Group Summer Camps – issued July 31 (memo)
• Personal Services (including Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Master Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Salon Workers, Electrologists, Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Cosmetology Schools and Esthetics Schools) - issued May 13 (memo) (updated July 15)
• Pet Grooming – issued May 18 (memo)
• Professional Photography – issued May 15 (memo)
• Professional Services - issued May 13 (memo) (updated July 15)
• Real Estate – issued May 19 (memo)
• Religious and Faith Organizations – issued May 27 (updated August 10)
• Sporting Activities – issued June 5 (memo)
• Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services – issued June 18 (updated July 28)

Phase 3 Business Activity Guidelines

• Template for Phase 3 Businesses – issued June 5
• Dine-in restaurants and taverns – issued July 7 (memo) (updated July 24)
• Fitness – issued August 3 (memo)
  • Frequently Asked Questions – issued August 7
• Overnight Group Summer Camps – issued July 31 (memo)
• Religious and Faith Organizations – issued May 27 (updated August 10)
• Sporting Activities – issued June 5 (memo)
• Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services – issued June 18 (updated July 28)