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Petition calls for Gov. Inslee to fully reopen Washington by June 15

SEATTLE — There are growing calls for Gov. Jay Inslee to fully reopen Washington.

A petition started by the Washington Hospitality Association calls for the state to fully reopen by June 15.

The WHA says the hospitality industry has been hit hard over the last 14 months of the pandemic, suffering major job losses.

Business owners want the governor to come up with a concrete plan for the state.

June 15 is when California plans to reopen. New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said stores, theaters, museums and restaurants will be allowed to operate at near-full capacity on May 19, the New York Times said.

The petition says Washington is one of only two states with no reopening plan.

Though Washington’s shutdown is not as severe as when the pandemic began, Inslee’s phased reopening plan has seen stops and starts, with a two-week pause in phases announced this week.

Inslee has said it has been difficult striking a balance.

“I think we have to face the facts that if we’re going to save lives and simultaneously keep businesses open, remaining flexible is an important element and virtue and has served us very well,” said Inslee.

The WHA petition claims the shutdowns have not worked in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

The governor’s office says Washington’s reopening will be guided by science.