Governor announces Phase 3 guidelines for religious services

Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced new guidelines for religious and faith-based services in counties that have reached Phase 3 of Washington’s Safe Start recovery plan, according to a press release.

Organizations will be allowed to have people indoors at 50 percent capacity or 400 people, whichever is less, when their county reaches Phase 3. Other requirements, such as for social distancing and facial coverings, will remain the same as previous phases.

For counties in Phase 2 or a modified Phase 1, indoor services are capped at 25 percent capacity or 200 people, whichever is less. In Phase 1 counties without modifications, only outdoor services are permitted, with no more than 100 attendees.

Grant County has been in Phase 2 since late May but is unlikely to move forward to Phase 3 in June, according to health officials.