Whitman County enters Phase 2

COLFAX — The state Secretary of Health has approved a Phase 2 waiver request for Whitman County, effective immediately, Friday, May 15.

The request for a variance of quarantine orders comes two days after the county sought to reopen business and four days after a Dusty resident filed a lawsuit against the governor.

"I sincerely appreciate the extra effort our Public Health Department has put in to putting the application together," County Commission Chairman Michael Largent said, noting he was very pleased and "frankly somewhat surprised" at the speed with which the clearance was given.

With the variance granted, more activities and businesses are able to open in the county.

Outdoor recreation and gatherings of up to five people outside a household are now permitted. Limited non-essential travel is also allowed.

Businesses that may open include remaining manufacturing, in-home/domestic services such as nannies and housekeeping, in-store retail purchases with restrictions, real estate, professional services/office-based businesses, hair and nail salons and barbers, pet grooming and restaurants/taverns at 50% capacity and table seating limited to five patrons.

Businesses may reopen only if they follow the governor's guidelines, online at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start.

People in high-risk populations are encouraged to limit their participation in Phase 2 activities, health officials said. Those include people age 65 or older, with underlying medical conditions and people living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

The county must wait a minimum of three weeks for a monitoring period before it can receive authorization to move on to Phase 3.