Washington state shuts down restaurants, bars to stop spread of novel coronavirus

[Mrs. Overall]

Source: The Seattle Times

Gov. Jay Inslee said late Sunday he would sign an emergency declaration temporarily shutting down bars, restaurants and places of entertainment and recreation statewide, and cap all public gatherings to 50 people, in the latest bid to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The governor’s executive action coincided with a similar order by King County officials, both set for Monday, which will also prohibit gatherings with fewer than 50 people unless specific criteria for hygiene and social distancing are met, according to statements released Sunday night. The order would allow restaurants to provide take-out and delivery services but not dining in, according to the statement.

“These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the virus. I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges,” Inslee said in the statement.

King County’s order will apply businesses ranging form dance halls to fitness clubs, in addition to restaurants and bars, that will have to cease operations until March 31. Grocery stores, banks, gas stations and other retail operations can operate as long as they meet public-health directives, according to the county. “We are at a critical moment in this crisis,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said in the statement.

Read more: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/king-county-and-washington-state-to-act-on-bars-restaurants-and-gatherings/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=owned_echobox_tw_m&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1584326963

[Thekaspervote]

1. Pritzker here in Illinois announced today that he is doing the same

Gotta take control. I feel very fortunate that be in a state with such a great dem gov...looking out for everyone

[MFM008]

2. Inslee said

takeout and drive through still ok.
No sit down in restaurants...

[Warpy]

3. Schools, theaters and sports arenas are closed here

So far the state has 17 confirmed cases. That doesn't sound like a whole lot but it's a low population state.

Bars and restaurants are still open for now.

People are worried and panicky idiots are still hoarding toilet paper. I hope that fad ends before I run out. I have newspaper and I'm not afraid to use it but if I had my druthers, I druther use TP.

[angrychair]

4. Frustrated with this

So easy to just close stuff down when you are a millionaire...a week from now all these politicans will still be getting a paycheck and have a roof over their head but thousands will be broke and on the brink of homelessness.

No healthcare, no money and no hope.

It's not about the letter after your name, it about the dismissal of the tragedy beyond the obligatory, canned offers of condolences and shoving paperwork in someone's face.

FYI, state workers were released to work from home so the chances you are going to get that paperwork processed quickly is a pipedream. Literally thousands of requests are going to poor in simultaneously with people working from home trying to process them as best they can.

[pnwmom]

5. So easy to react like that when someone you love isn't at risk of dying from coronavirus.

Inslee did EXACTLY the right thing.

And he's not closing restaurants down -- they can stay in business for take-out and deliveries.. My family members and I have already decided to help our favorite places stay in business by getting takeout.

[angrychair]

6. They will fire people to cut costs

Same with bars. Movie theaters will fire everyone, they operate on very thin margins.

It has nothing to do with it being the right thing to do or not. It was the only option and it should have been done a week ago.

I'm making the point that rich people that still have a job just told thousands of people they are getting fired tomorrow and then said "good night".

Not even having the decency to explain that if you lose your job, we are going to help here is our plan. Nothing.

My son works two jobs, both at restaurants.
I've worked in restaurants, bars and the movie theaters when I was younger.

Those people are completely screwed. Inslee dismissed their concerns like it didn't matter.

[riversedge]

7. MoscowMitch needs to pass that House coronavirus suppoet bill TODAY