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Gov. Inslee continues pause on reopening until at least July 28

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that he is extending the current pause on reopening of the economy until at least July 28 as coronavirus cases in the state continue to rise.

This means that counties can't advance to the next stage of the Safe Start plan.

"We are heading to big trouble if we do not find a way to knock this pandemic down," Inslee said.

Inslee first put a pause on reopening a few weeks ago after cases in the state rose throughout June and early July.

The governor noted that many of the new cases are in young people, and asks everyone to follow guidelines put forth by the Department of Health, regardless of their age.

"People should not be surprised if more gets rolled back, and this gets influenced by how many people wear masks and socially distance," he said.

Inslee pointed to California and Oregon, whose governors also put some restrictions back in place after a significant spread in the virus.