SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Mayor Woodward is voicing her concerns for owners and employees of businesses in Washington state after an announcement from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
Inslee announced on Sunday that he will be signing an emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down bars and restaurants and further limit the size of gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak.
Restaurants will be allowed to have take-out and delivery services, but no in-person dining.
The ban applies to restaurants, bars, dance halls, clubs, theaters, health and fitness clubs, and other similar indoor social or recreational venues must cease operations until March 31.
Inslee is expected to make the announcement Monday at 10:30 a.m.
“Tonight's order from the governor temporarily closing bars, restaurants, and entertainment and recreational facilities is extremely sobering. We are concerned for owners and employees of those establishments and are already rallying the community to support those most impacted by the COVID-19 response,” Woodward wrote in a statement on Sunday night.
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In the statement, Woodward urged “caution, courtesy and calm” in practicing good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, social distancing, and care for those who are susceptible to illness.
Woodward added that the best thing residents can do for restaurants is take advantage of takeout options.
“Spokane is resilient and rallies around its neighbors, friends, and loved ones. It's time to double down on that effort. We will get through this together,” Woodward wrote in part.
Crowds are now limited to 50 people, a decrease from Inslee's initial ban of gatherings of 250 or more. Fifty is the recommended crowd size number from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Grocery stores, banks, retailers and pharmacies can remain open as long as they meet public health directives.
KING 5 Staff contributed to this report.