Skip to main content
Local // Coronavirus

Here's what you can and can't do under Washington's new coronavirus restrictions

by Becca Savransky, Seattle P-I

Washington is putting into effect its most sweeping set of restrictions since the coronavirus pandemic first hit in March.

After months of counties easing restrictions, businesses reopening and people adapting to the new orders, the state once again had to take a step back in an effort to curb the rapid and worrying spread of the coronavirus.

Confirmed cases of the virus have been rising across the state since September. Over the past two weeks, transmission of the virus has become even more rapid. Hospitalizations are up, too. If that trend continues, it has the potential to strain the state's hospital systems, something health officials are desperately hoping to avoid.

Early last week, public health officials made a last dire plea to residents: take action now to stop the spread of the virus. But the plea came with a warning, that if people didn't do enough, the state would have to put restrictions back into place. It was something health officials said, at the time, they wanted to avoid.

Later last week, Gov. Jay Inslee said he was preparing to announce new measures to slow the spread of the virus. In a rare Sunday news conference, he made good on that promise, announcing the new set of restrictions, most of which will go into effect Tuesday and remain in place for at least the next four weeks, through Dec. 14.

"This spike puts us in a more dangerous a position as we were in March," Inslee said during the press conference Sunday. "And it means, unfortunately, the time has come to reinstate restrictions on activities statewide to preserve the public's well-being, and to save lives. These were very difficult decisions that have very real consequences to people's livelihoods. I recognize that and don't take those impacts lightly, but we must act now and act quickly to slow the spread of this disease."

Under the new restrictions, there is no more indoor dining at restaurants. Gyms are closed. Retail stores have to cap occupancy at 25%. And people aren't allowed to hold indoor gatherings, in most situations. The restrictions are meant to avoid straining the state's healthcare systems and to show residents how important it is that they recommit to slowing the spread of the virus. Keep reading to find out what you can and can't do in Washington state for the next four weeks.
LeoPatrizi/Getty Images

Under the new restrictions, there is no more indoor dining at restaurants. Gyms are closed. Retail stores have to cap occupancy at 25%. And people aren't allowed to hold indoor gatherings, in most situations. The restrictions are meant to avoid straining the state's healthcare systems and to show residents how important it is that they recommit to slowing the spread of the virus.

Keep reading to find out what you can and can't do in Washington state for the next four weeks.

Indoor gatherings
Indoor gatherings with people from outside one's household are banned in most situations. There are two exceptions: if people quarantine for the 14 days prior to a gathering, or if they quarantine for seven days prior to a gathering and get a negative coronavirus test less than 48 hours before.
PeopleImages - Getty Images

Indoor gatherings with people from outside one's household are banned in most situations. There are two exceptions: if people quarantine for the 14 days prior to a gathering, or if they quarantine for seven days prior to a gathering and get a negative coronavirus test less than 48 hours before.

Outdoor gatherings
Outdoor gatherings are limited to five people outside of someone's household. 
GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM

Outdoor gatherings are limited to five people outside of someone's household. 

Restaurants and bars 
Restaurants and bars are not allowed to have indoor dine-in service. Restaurants can still offer outdoor dining and to-go services, but table size for outdoor dining has to be capped at five people. The new restrictions on restaurants and bars will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.
Westend61/Getty Images

Restaurants and bars are not allowed to have indoor dine-in service. Restaurants can still offer outdoor dining and to-go services, but table size for outdoor dining has to be capped at five people.

The new restrictions on restaurants and bars will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

Gyms and fitness centers
Gyms and fitness centers have to close for indoor operations. Outdoor fitness classes are still allowed but have to be limited to five people or fewer, as per the guidelines for outdoor gatherings. 
Brett Coomer, Staff / Houston Chronicle

Gyms and fitness centers have to close for indoor operations. Outdoor fitness classes are still allowed but have to be limited to five people or fewer, as per the guidelines for outdoor gatherings.