Covid-19 Coronavirus Updates, Here’s What You Need To Know

The coronavirus has not gone away. Every day we receive new information and it can get confusing. What is open? What are we allowed to do now?

June 8, 2020

We’ve rounded up some coronavirus updates for our customers in Seattle, Bellingham, and Spokane. Let’s clear up some of that confusion. 

What’s open everywhere?

Essential businesses remain open across Washington state. This includes grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and food producers. 

Many parks are also open for day-use or camping. Not all parks that are open for day-use are accepting overnight stays, so be sure to check this list before you plan to camp. 

Keep in mind that parks with open camping are operating at 50% capacity. This may affect reservations or plans you may have already made. If you’re unsure, contact the park you plan to visit to confirm the status. 

What phase is my county in?

As part of the reopening process laid out by Governor Inslee, the state will reopen in four different phases. Different counties can move to the next phase when they meet the requirements of that phase. This means counties across Washington may be in various stages for a while until the virus is under control. 

The four phases of reopening 

In Phase One, high-risk populations should stay home. Some outdoor recreation is allowed, including hunting, fishing, biking, golfing, etc. Essential travel is allowed, as well as limited travel for activities permitted under phase one. 

No gatherings are permitted. Drive-in spiritual services are permitted. Essential businesses, existing construction projects, landscaping, curbside retail, car washes, and pet walkers are allowed to operate their business. 

In Phase Two, high-risk populations should continue to stay home. Outdoor recreation is permitted for fewer than five people outside of your own household. Essential travel is permitted, along with limited travel to phase one and two permissible activities. 

Other businesses, including hair and nail salons, pet grooming, office-based businesses, real estate, retail, in-home domestic services, and construction and manufacturing are allowed to operate. Restaurants may also operate at 50% capacity with no more than five people per table. 

In Phase Three, high-risk populations should continue to stay home. Outdoor sports are permitted in groups of 5-50 people. Gyms, public pools, and other recreational facilities may operate at 50% capacity as well. Professional sports may resume, but there will be no audience participation. 

Restaurants and taverns can open to 75% capacity, with tables no larger than 10 people. Bars in restaurants must operate at 25% capacity. Movie theaters will operate at 50% capacity. Libraries, museums, and all other business activities excluding nightclubs and events hosting more than 50 people may resume. 

In Phase Four, everything else will resume. High-risk populations may go into public but they should maintain physical distancing. Gatherings of over 50 people may resume as well as nightclubs, concerts, sporting events, and others. 

Spokane and Whatcom Counties are cleared for Phase Two 

As of June 1st, Spokane County is in the clear for phase two. Spokane joins Adams, Asotin, Clallum, Columbia, Cowlitz, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Klickitat, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pacific, Pend Orielle, San Juan, Skamania, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties in starting Phase Two. 

If you’re in Spokane county, you can go outside with fewer than five people who aren’t from your household. Several businesses will reopen as well. 

As of June 5th, Whatcom County is approved for Phase Two, as well. Residents can do all of the things Spokanites are permitted to do. 

King County is now in Modified Phase One 

King County residents will have to wait a little longer before moving to the next phase. Currently, it’s in Phase One. With some exceptions. 

Regular Phase One means you can still go outside and engage in recreational activities. But you are limited to members of the household. Mostly essential businesses are open, with some exceptions. 

However, King County applied for a modified Phase One status and was granted permission to start June 5th. This means some things will open before reaching Phase Two. These include:

• Fitness and recreation, only outdoors, with fewer than five out-of-household people. 
• Gatherings of five or fewer may occur outdoors only. 
• Additional construction and manufacturing may resume in accordance with Phase Two. 
• In-store retail can operate at 15% capacity, limited to 30 minutes. 
• Real estate may operate at 25% capacity with indoor services 30 minutes or less. 
• Professional and personal services may resume at 25% building occupancy. 
• Restaurants may operate with no indoor dining. They may serve customers outdoors only at 50% capacity. 

So while King County residents are still technically in Phase One, the rules are a bit more flexible. 

Staying safe during the coronavirus 

Remember to take as many safety precautions as possible to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. When it comes to getting high, here are a few pointers for staying safe. 

• Do not share joints or supplies. If you have multiple people in your house who consume, you should smoke out of your own respective devices. 
• Choose non-smoking methods when possible, such as edibles, tinctures, or even vapes. 
• Always have hand sanitizer and wipes on hand in case you need to clean your supplies in a pinch. 

Of course, wash your hands regularly and take good care of your health in other ways. Exercise, manage your stress, and eat a healthy diet to keep yourself well during this time. 

Staying occupied during COVID-19 

Whatever the phase you’re in, life is not going to be back to normal until the COVID-19 pandemic is fully under control. We’re slowly making our way, but we still have a ways to go. 

First of all, get out of the house! Take walks, go to parks or beaches that are open, or just sit outside and get some fresh air. It’s important to clear your mind. If you have a bike, pack some snacks and go for a long trail ride. 

As many of us know, weed can make things a lot more entertaining. If you’re bored and looking to spice up your day inside, have a movie marathon or play some video games to pass the time. 

You can also pick up an old hobby you’ve forgotten about, or start a new creative endeavor. The options are endless when it comes to entertaining yourself at home. Just be sure to balance it with some social time (try an app to stay connected with friends) and be sure to get some fresh air. 

Stay high 

Cannabis was deemed an essential business and we are here to serve you every day. Stop by one of our Washington dispensary locations and pick up some green to get you through these unusual times!

We hope you all stay safe and healthy. 

Piece Of Mind Cannabis is a recreational cannabis shop featuring many dispensary locations! Check us on out on Yelp, Leafly, Instagram, Facebook, Google and Twitter.