Grant County approved for variance to enter Phase 2

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Health officials have approved a request from Grant County to move to the second phase of the reopening plan announced by Gov. Jay Inslee May 1.

The announcement was made Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after county officials sent in the application. In Phase 2, limited business operations are allowed that are not allowed in Phase 1.

Inslee ordered a statewide lockdown in mid-March in an effort to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The May 1 order set up a phased reopening.

Counties are eligible to apply for variances to the phased plan if they meet certain criteria. Grant County qualified for the variance process Thursday, and county officials approved the request Friday.

- Cheryl Schweizer