Gov. Jay Inslee

We are seeing some signs the current restrictions are working. But our hospitals are still on the brink. Therefore, I am extending existing restrictions for three weeks – ending January 4th. 

The hospitalization projections are scary. We’re already at 80% ICU capacity in Washington. 

Unless this turns around, our system will be overrun. That impacts everyone needing hospital care, not just COVID patients.

This is an incredibly hard decision to make. We know some of our businesses are hanging by a thread.

In light of that, we’re making an additional $50 million in grants available for businesses impacted by these safety measures.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. The first vaccine was given in the UK this morning. But our communities are not safe right now – and the vaccine won’t change that in the near future. 

It is a dangerous time in Washington. We need to buckle down through the holidays and get this virus under control