Stay-at-home order: The five-day quarantine, which had applied to those who don't show vaccine proof or a negative test, also ended. Gov. Maryland had ended most of its coronavirus emergency restrictions July 1, 2021, including the statewide mask order. All of us need to do more. Washington State Department of Transportation crews will close one lane across the bridge during daytime hours from Feb. 27 through March 2. A weekly update of the most important issues driving the global agenda. Brad Little, a Republican, moved the state to Stage 4 of its reopening plan in May, removing recommended gathering size limitations. Stay-at-home order: The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 10,197 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 10,894 the seven days prior. Schools may opt out of the mandate if they adopt isolation and quarantine policies. Georgia's state of emergency ended July 1. Read more: As usual, Sound Transit didn't meet my already low expectations. Started April 1, 2020; ended on May 8, 2020. Caseload: Lucky Buns in Washington, D.C., seen in 2018, temporarily closed this month after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. Gov. The problems at public schools started long before omicron. Cosmetology, Health. Faced with a stark choice of government mandated shutdown or bankruptcy, many businesses may ignore a new shutdown order as they will have nothing to lose, since enforcement of the governors order would shut them down anyway. The number of confirmed new cases is growing, with 8,564 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 5,615 the seven days prior. Unmasked and unvaccinated K-12 students and staff members can remain in class after in-school exposure to the virus if they wear a mask for 14 days under the most recent state guidance. Some low-risk work on existing projects can continue, but start of new projects is pushed back, say state officials. How is the US economy doing after COVID-19? The state's mask mandate for schools ended March 12. Now they have . For one, he had purchased fish, vegetables and $3,000 worth of . Illinois' mask mandate lapsed at the end of February. Health, Gatherings. Started March 31, 2020; ended on May 15, 2020. Caseload: Caseload: Dealing with the new surge in COVID-19 cases is a big deal for South Florida restaurant owners. By Dylan Scott @dylanlscott Apr 28, 2020, 12:30pm EDT. The last Safer Apart Order, which had been effective May 5, 2021, ended May 31. The states previous governor, Ralph Northam had issued the universal mask mandate for K-12 schools Aug. 12, 2021. On May 17, 2021, Abbott had signed an executive order banning government entities in the state from requiring face masks, which some local governements have also gone against. The state of Washington has had tight restrictions in place since Nov. 15, but case numbers are still on the rise. Gov. Read more: It is critical that the state take a cautious approach with COVID-19, but another full shutdown of the economy is likely to cause more long-term damage, from which, we may never recover. Caseload: Kevin Stitt on May 28, 2021 issued an executive order banning state agencies from implementing mask mandates or vaccine requirements for people entering their buildings. https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/2022/01/24/st-cloud-city-council-discuss-possible-mask-mandate-monday/6620928001/. Any ruling the court issues could have broad implications for what limits local governments can put in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Just last year, Washington's Budget Stabilization Account or its "Rainy Day Fund" totaled more than $1.6 billion. Retail, Outdoor recreation. Bill Gates says a total nationwide shutdown is necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the US. Closed all K-12 private and public schools across the state of Washington, from March 17 to Friday April 24. . HB 1011 dies: Keep readying for a long-term-care payroll tax starting this summer, Survivor: Legislation allowing Washington to join multistate Nurse Licensure Compact is still alive, Seattles social housing authority measure near approval with latest vote count, Washington Policy Center: Its time to reform the Growth Management Act to benefit rural and urban communities alike, Proposed wireless device tax does not compute, critics tell House Finance Committee. Stay-at-home order: People across the state have started to resist the shut down, doing what they think is prudent as the state flattens the coronavirus . "If we have to shut down again, that means . Come celebrate Anacortes 11th annual Bier on the Pier! Red State Talk Radio (M-F 2pm ET) America Out Loud (M-F 7pm ET . the Washington Federation of State Employees . "If we have to shut down again, that means we're going to lose those 100,000 jobs, Anton said. Started March 23, 2020; ended on May 14, 2020. Stay-at-home order: 5,820 Covid-19 related deaths; 410,659 confirmed cases; 36,023 probable cases; and a 1.3% death rate among positive cases. Senate Republicans can be ready with a days notice to convene an emergency special session, as weve asked the governor to do repeatedly," Schoesler said. Gov. Started March 25, 2020; ended on May 1, 2020, Affected sectors: https://www.devilslakejournal.com/story/news/2021/09/08/north-dakota-state-hospital-limits-visitors-due-increase-covid-19-cases/5770195001/. While the latest variant, Omicron, is particularly contagious and has raised alarm across the country, it's . The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 11,872 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 18,900 the seven days prior. Read more: Washington's surviving businesses are just now starting to recover, and many will likely not survive another shutdown. Gov. The number of confirmed new cases is growing, with 8,143 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 8,125 the seven days prior. Read more: As students returned to school for the 2021-2022 school year, states set a variety of policies on education and the COVID-19 pandemic, including how schools should open to in-person instruction and whether students and staff would be required to wear masks. Caseload: Under the order, restaurants and bars statewide are closed until further notice and limited to take-out only. Affected sectors: Retail, Restaurants. WASHINGTON The White House Coronavirus Task Force is increasingly suggesting that states including Texas begin shutting down again, saying in reports sent to state leaders this month that they . Original story: A 20-mile-long stretch of Interstate 5 is closed in Thurston and Lewis counties after flood waters swamped the freeway. Started March 30, 2020; ended on June 10, 2020. Started March 25, 2020; ended on May 26, 2020. Drivers can expect up to 30-minute delays during annual SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge cleaning and maintenance. Vermont lifted all of its remaining COVID-19 restrictions June 14, 2021, after becoming the first state in the U.S. to have 80% of its eligible population get one dose of the vaccine. The original plan was to send the child to the daycare in July or August 2020. The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 24,321 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 106,930 the seven days prior. Stay-at-home order: Steve Sisolak announced an end to the state's mask mandate Feb. 10, ending a regulation that had been in place since late July 2021. The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 1,182 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 1,254 the seven days prior. North Dakota's mask mandate expired Jan. 18, 2021. "The probability of us getting shut down again - that would devastate the restaurant industry . New York is the hardest hit but the infection rate is climbing across the US. The mask-or-proof-of-vaccination requirement for Rhode Island businesses and other indoor venues was lifted Feb. 11. For current COVID news, see USA TODAY'S complete coronavirus coverage. Youngkin had previously tried to remove mask mandates via executive order. to the reality that the "Delta variant" scaremongering has been registering with the general public in places like Washington, D.C. and New York City. https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/12/13/pennsylvania-school-mask-mandate/6492816001/. "We want the freedom of not having to shut down our economy, again," Inslee said Monday at a news conference at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. The number of confirmed new cases is growing, with 8,448 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 8,368 the seven days prior. Pawares Pathompornvivat, a 32-year-old teacher from Franklin High School, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct. Brian Kemp issued an executive order Aug. 19, 2021, that bans cities from requiring businesses to enforce local restrictions aimed at curbing the coronavirus pandemic. Stay-at-home order: Caseload: Two weeks after open houses resumed in a more conventional manner in Washington state, they will be prohibited again under new Covid-19 rules, which take effect on Tuesday and will last until at . Gov. Capacity and social distancing restrictions ended in Virginia on May 28, 2021. The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 6,872 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 7,388 the seven days prior. "But they opened too quickly," Reiner said, leading to a Covid-19 comeback. The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 4,381 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 5,362 the seven days prior. Read more: Although Zach, Tori, and their children Jackson, Lilah, and Josiah moved to Washington in October 2021, Zach has not filed a license for the company in his new home state. Stay-at-home order: A business should be allowed to operate safely without government interference. Henry McMaster lifted South Carolina's state of emergency June 7, 2021. Takeout and delivery will be allowed, but "no in-person dining will be permitted," according to the governor's statement. Another 9,281 people around the state have been hospitalized from the virus. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2022/02/17/indiana-school-mask-mandates-covid-19-omicron-variant/6833856001/. Stay-at-home order: Capacity requiremements for events on Oahu were lifted the same day, and gyms can operate at full capacity. Caseload: Beaches, Outdoor recreation. Hawaii lifted its strict COVID-19 entry requirements and its indoor mask mandate on March 26. Noem's "Back to Normal Plan" laid out actions for residents, employers, schools and health care providers once four criteria categories are met, including a downward trajectory of documented coronavirus cases for 14 days in an area with sustained community spread. Thankfully, were not really in a state of emergency at this point. November 12, 2020 02:13 PM. Read more: .chakra .wef-10kdnp0{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;}What is the World Economic Forum doing about the coronavirus outbreak? Kristi Noem has repeatedly said she won't issue a statewide mask requirement or lockdown and has voiced doubts about health experts who say face coverings prevent infections from spreading. The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 21,929 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 21,949 the seven days prior. Close MyNorthwest The state received $2.95 billion from the federal CARES Act in March. The 15 counties -- which include a large swath of the Portland area but not Washington County - on Friday must shut down indoor dining in restaurants and bars and severely curtail the number of . The move would shut down indoor dining, as well as limit large gyms and movie theaters to no more than six patrons and prohibit indoor visits at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Gov. Streaking teams collide Saturday in the Heart of Dallas Bowl when the surging Washington Huskies take on the resurgent Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles.The Huskies and coach Chris Petersen might have backed into bowl season with a 6-6 record, but they did so in dominant fashion by winning their last two games by a combined score of 97-17.Southern Mississippi simply bullied its way to the . Started April 2, 2020; ended on April 30, 2020. Stay-at-home order: Caseload: Caseload: Stay-at-home order: The COVID-19 omicron variant is posing new risks for President Biden and his administration as they attempt to control the spread of a virus he vowed to "shut down" during the 2020 campaign. Ohio lifted the state mask mandate and all remaining coronavirus health orders except those for nursing homes and assisted living facilities on June 2, 2021. Colorado lifted all capacity limits for large indoor gatherings June 1, 2021. Read more: The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 19,989 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 20,971 the seven days prior. . "If we are living a normal life, we are not doing our jobs as Washingtonians," Inslee said. They say the country as a whole doesn't appear to . The State Labor and Industries department is understaffed due to COVID-19 and unlike the first shutdown, many businesses will not be as compliant. Events drawing more than 50 people, such as youth sports tournaments and concerts, no longer require governmental approval. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Recent comments from local and state government officials, though, indicate state leaders may be preparing to return us to Phase 1, putting people out of work and closing the economy down again. Read more: Wilcox joined his colleagues in calling on Inslee to convene a special legislative session to tap into the state's Rainy Day Fund. . Gov. Caseload: The number of confirmed new cases is growing, with 25,462 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 24,141 the seven days prior. Iowa's public health emergency order expired Feb. 15. "The Senate has prepared to do that virtually or in a modified format to ensure social distancing. https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/07/07/new-mexico-governor-withstands-lawsuits-over-pandemic-orders/65368446007/. Started April 7, 2020; ended on May 12, 2020. Read more: Read more: Masks requirements also ended for both indoor and outdoor establishments. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2020/11/10/washington-dc-hotels-booked-up-joe-biden-inauguration-day/6225100002/. Although Zach, Tori, and their children Jackson, Lilah, and Josiah moved to Washington in October 2021, Zach has not filed a license for the company in his new home state. Illinois had entered Phase 5 of reopening June 11, 2021, which removed all remaining capacity limits and restrictions on all sectors of the economy. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2022/03/08/latest-public-health-advice-on-wearing-masks-in-kentucky/9410939002/. Caseload: Capacity and distancing limits for busineses, indoor events and gatherings were removed May 28, 2021. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400 Washington Offices and Barbara Jordan Conference Center: 1330 G Street . New Mexico essentially reopened July 1, 2021, retiring restrictions on mass gatherings and business activity that have been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the state last year. The restaurant industry has already been . Read more: The announcement came just 48 hours after Gov. Now they are about to impose new restrictions again as . The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the answer to Michigan's "acute situation" with COVID-19 is not to surge vaccines but to shut down the state The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 2,907 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 3,104 the seven days prior. Started March 21, 2020; ended on May 30, 2020, Affected sectors: Jay Inslee announced the state will be entering a month-long lockdown. Read more: The number of confirmed new cases is shrinking, with 9,875 for the seven days ending July 9 compared to 10,483 the seven days prior. Read more: Image:REUTERS/Andrew Kelly. Charlie Baker on July 30, 2021, recommended fully vaccinated Massachusetts residents wear masks in certain public indoor settings, but did not institute a new mask mandate. Started March 25, 2020; ended on May 31, 2020. Started March 23, 2020; ended on May 20, 2020. The state first reopened Portland restaurants for indoor dining in June, followed by the second indoor service shutdown in November. During the first shut-down hundreds of businesses closed for good. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/12/28/ohio-reviewing-cdcs-new-guidelines-covid-cases-and-exposures/9033052002/. In Seattle, a scrim of smoke applied a yellow filter to the city. If nothing else, I would hope in the Senate and the House, we could at least have the conversation, she said. Montana's state of emergency expired at the end of June 2021. On March 12, other restrictions were eliminated: limits on public gatherings, attendance limits at indoor sporting events and a mandate that state employees working and visitors to state buildings wear masks. Statewide public health orders ended in May 2021. Gov. The new law restricts private businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccination proof and only allows schools and other public entities to enact mask mandates under an extreme surge of 1,000 infections or more for every 100,000 residents in a 14-day period. At the end of March, the court declared the statewide mask mandate invalid and blocked Gov.