The restrictions related to small group gatherings and in-restaurant dining in the Tri-Cities area were lifted on Aug. 27. | Unsplash
The restrictions related to small group gatherings and in-restaurant dining in the Tri-Cities area were lifted on Aug. 27. | Unsplash
The restrictions related to small group gatherings and in-restaurant dining in the Tri-Cities area were lifted on Aug. 27.
Fitness classes can happen outdoors, churches can bring people in for limited indoor services and this is partly because of communities’ working to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to public health officials in Benton and Franklin counties.
“Benton-Franklin Health District and our community leaders have continued to work closely with Washington state Department of Health to safely expand activities,” Dr. Amy Person, health officer at the Benton-Franklin Health District, told the Tri-City Herald. “Our community has pulled together to decrease disease activity and it shows.”
The two counties remain in a modified Phase 1 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start reopening plan rather than being approved for Phase 2.
More than half of activities labeled for phase 2 are allowed in Benton and Franklin counties now. Those activities include:
- Indoor dining in restaurants, up to 25% of building capacity; outdoor service is still capped at half of building capacity;
- Taverns, wineries, breweries, and distilleries can have indoor service for up to 25% of building capacity, if they meet certain food service requirements. Those requirements include a menu of at least three items.
- Churches and religious organizations may hold indoor services up to 25% of building capacity or 50 people.
- Thirty percent of a retail store’s building capacity are now allowed inside at one time.
- In-person professional services are allowed by accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, financial advisers, information technologies, insurance agents, tax preparers, appraisers, home inspectors and others.
- Nannies, house cleaners and private chefs can now perform domestic services.
- Professional photography is limited to occupancy of 25% of building capacity, with a time limit of 30 minutes per customer.
- Drive in events can sell concessions and allow nonfamily groups of five people or less.
Alerts Sign-up