Gov. Jay Inslee said that recent COVID-19 restrictions will be extended until after the start of the new year. | Photo Courtesy of Gov. Jay Inslee Facebook
Gov. Jay Inslee said that recent COVID-19 restrictions will be extended until after the start of the new year. | Photo Courtesy of Gov. Jay Inslee Facebook
It will not be a happy New Year's for some in Washington.
Gov. Jay Inslee said that COVID-19 restrictions put in place in November would continue for days after the New Year's holiday until Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
The state, The New York Times updated on Dec. 12, had 2,915 news cases on Sunday and averaged 3,331 positive tests per day over the last week.
Inslee said with more cases comes increased pressure on the state's health care system.
"We remain concerned about COVID activity, and we still do not have a clear picture of the situation following the Thanksgiving weekend," the governor said during a news conference on Dec. 8, the Kitsap Daily News reported.
The extension means three more weeks of take-out only service at bars and restaurants, plus indoor service will remain halted at other businesses, including gyms, movie theaters, zoos, and museums.
Under the restrictions, indoor gatherings are also banned unless everyone attending the function has either quarantined for 14 days or tested negative within seven days.
The Kitsap Daily News reported Inslee hinted state officials could change their decisions before the restriction's expiration should there be "significant improvement."
Inslee also pledged another $50 million to help businesses and employees who've been financially impacted by the recent orders.
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