Inslee announces new enforcement measures for stay-at-home order

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee announced new enforcement measures Monday for his stay-at-home order to ensure people and businesses are complying with the mandate and practicing proper social distancing.

Inslee outlined three tiers to the reporting:

1. Violators of the order will be notified that they need to comply
2. Citations and suspension of licenses can be issued, including business licenses
3. Law enforcement will pass these complaints along to the state attorney general’s office

"Our goal is 100 percent voluntary compliance," Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. Ferguson emphasized that he will use enforcement powers if people intentionally violate the order.

If you believe a business is violating the order, you can file a complain at coronavirus.wa.gov. The form is only for businesses deemed non-essential by Inslee’s order but that are still operating.

If you believe an individual or private group is not following the proclamation, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Inslee asks people to use their best judgment before reporting, and to not call 911, instead directing citizens to use the non-emergency lines.

“These are local decisions,” Inslee emphasized. “We’re not going to tell law enforcement how to do their jobs.”

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