TL;DR – June 21, 2021: Gov. Jay Inslee announced that three proclamations related to the COVID-19 pandemic would be rescinded. These changes are made in anticipation of the June 30 reopening date, and while we remain in a state of emergency, it is expected that additional proclamations will be rescinded in the coming days and weeks.

Washington State COVID-19 Status Report: June 21, 2021

Inslee rescinds three proclamations related to COVID-19

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that three proclamations related to the COVID-19 pandemic would be rescinded. These changes are made in anticipation of the June 30 reopening date, and while we remain in a state of emergency, it is expected that additional proclamations will be rescinded in the coming days and weeks.

Proclamation 20-30, which suspends statutory job search requirements for applicants seeking unemployment insurance. This rescission is effective July 4. Additional information for job seekers is available from the Employment Security Department here.

Read the full proclamation here.

Proclamation 20-46, which provides protections for high-risk workers, has been substantially replaced by Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5115 and was made immediately effective. This new law, which was signed and made effective immediately, is known as the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA), applies to workplaces only during a declared public health emergency involving an infectious or contagious disease. The law includes protections for high-risk employees from discrimination during public health emergencies. Information about these protections is available here. This rescission is effective June 28.

Read the full proclamation here.

Proclamation 20-76, which limited the fees that third-party delivery services could charge restaurants for delivering food to customers. This rescission is effective immediately.

Read the full proclamation here.

COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers

Governor Inslee has announced that some industries will no longer need to follow additional guidance, instead they will only need to follow the COVID-19 workplace health and safety measures established by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Read more here.

Important Reference Documents

Healthy Washington Requirements

The following business activities must adhere to the occupancy and operation requirements outlined for their region’s Healthy Washington phase:

Spectator Events

Religious and Faith-Based Organizations

Professional Services

Personal Services

Eating and Drinking Establishments

Weddings, Funerals and Events

Sports, Recreation and Fitness

Indoor Entertainment Establishments

Outdoor Entertainment Establishments

All employers must follow COVID-19 prevention protocols for employees as required by the Department of Labor and Industries. Industry-specific workplace requirements are listed below:

Additional Industry Requirements

o WA Talking Book and Braille Library

For additional industry-specific safety practices, including those for Farm and Agricultural Workers, Food Workers and Establishments, schools, healthcare providers, and others, please visit the Department of Health’s Resources and Recommendations Page.

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Brynn Brady, Ceiba Consulting | Martin Flynn Public Affairs, Inc. | 253.686.3387

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