Phase 2 Reopening Criteria In The Works For Larger WA Counties

OLYMPIA, WA — State health officials are working with the governor's office this week to finalize updated eligibility standards, allowing for Washington's largest counties to begin the next reopening phase. However, it is likely restrictions will remain in place for some beyond June 1.

So far, 21 counties have reached phase 2 in the Safe Start plan, after meeting Department of Health criteria that require fewer than 10 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, recorded over two weeks. Health officials said two more counties, Klickitat and Walla Walla, became eligible to apply for a variance this week.

In King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, illness rates remained roughly three or four times higher than the standard established for smaller counties, according to state health data last week. Using those metrics, the three counties are unlikely to meet the benchmark by June 1, which had been set as a tentative target date for most of the state to move forward.

During a teleconference with reporters Tuesday afternoon, Secretary of Health John Wiesman said it was likely a new standard would be set for larger counties to qualify for the next phase, incorporating several considerations.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/phase-2-reopening-criteria-in-the-works-for-larger-wa-counties/ar-BB14DCsA