Washington reacts to new COVID-19 restrictions

After weeks of rising cases, Gov. Jay Inslee implemented new COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday, including banning indoor dining and indoor social gatherings with people outside your household.

>> See a full list of the restrictions here

Scroll below for statements from officials around the state.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan

“Governor Inslee and public health officials had to act to address the significant and dangerous increase in cases and hospitalizations. While Seattle has one of the lowest rates of cases of any major city, we are not immune to the virus surging in the nation, state, and region. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn have impacted so many small businesses and workers. People are hurting. These actions will have a particularly profound impact on our small businesses as we head into what normally would be a busy holiday shopping season.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine

“The number of hospitalizations in King County last week increased by over 70 percent compared to the previous four weeks. There are twice as many people in local hospitals with COVID-19 as there were just a month ago. This is the most critical issue: We have to reverse this trend before our hospitals become overwhelmed.”

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)

"I’m very disappointed with the Governor’s latest statewide, one-size-fits-all shutdown and am quite concerned it will severely impact small businesses and take away everything these hard-working entrepreneurs have built over years and decades. So many people are barely hanging on and need hope.

Let’s continue to support our health care workers, those researching therapeutics, and the many friends and family working on the front lines. Thank you for your steadfastness throughout this difficult year. I believe we are close to a vaccine and providing widespread antigen testing that will bring confidence for us to continue to open up our economy. Let’s preserve the gains we have made in education and provide an option for more of our kids to return to in-person classes in a safe and responsible way.

We need leadership that encourages the hard-working men and women who keep our state and region moving. Like I have said from the beginning of this pandemic, we need more localized solutions that recognize the regional differences that exist in our vast state and country. I will continue to advocate for locally driven strategies that keep Main Street open, encourage employment growth, and give families in Eastern Washington hope and opportunity.”

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin

“With COVID-19 cases on the rise, affecting more and more of our neighbors, friends and family, it’s clear that we need to do more to slow the spread of this public health threat. Bold actions that align with the recommendations of public health experts must be taken. We support the Governor’s difficult decision and know it will help in our effort to save lives. I am very worried for our small businesses and our residents who will be affected by these necessary actions as they will intensify the toll COVID-19 is already having on our economy and in our way of life. I will fight and advocate for federal funding to support our economies as we work together to combat this pandemic.”

Skagit Health Officer Dr. Howard Leibrand

“Cases have been spiking throughout Washington, including in Skagit County. These restrictions are necessary to prevent further spread, deaths and potential hospital overwhelm. I’m glad Governor Inslee is taking these steps, and encourage everyone to follow them- if not for their own health, for their neighbors.”

Snohomish Health District officer Dr. Chris Spitters

“I regret the restrictions being necessary, but we need to put on the brakes now to keep from overwhelming the already stressed health care system. These aren’t across the board shutdowns, but rather a strategic freeze within those sectors and situations that are linked to this recent surge in cases. We need everyone to join in and respect the restrictions to turn this around.”

Tammie Hetrick, incoming president and CEO of Washington Food Industry Association

“Grocers do not make these regulations, but they are required to enforce them. Like you, we are adjusting to new and ever-changing rules about how to shop safely during this unprecedented time. Stores are doing their best to innovate and offer safe, convenient services and maintain reasonable access. Shoppers: Please do not take your frustrations out on store employees, who are just doing their jobs. Our stores and our suppliers are working diligently to ensure shoppers will have safe access to the food and other products they seek this holiday season. Safety remains the top priority for our stores, their employees and the shopping public. We must continue to work together and help one another if we are to put an end to this pandemic and begin the road back to normalcy.”

Downtown Seattle Association

“As the cases and hospitalizations climb in our state, Governor Inslee’s plan is understandable. People taking personal responsibility for the greater community is essential. As small businesses in Seattle bear the brunt of these restrictions it is critical to their survival that these moves are accompanied by local and federal aid. In downtown alone we’ve seen 140 street-level businesses permanently close in the last eight months. Some of the businesses and cultural institutions that have survived are hanging on by a thread. Absent additional federal funds it’s difficult to see how we avoid further closures until there’s a widely available vaccine. A successful holiday season is vital for small businesses in normal times, it’s even more important this year so we hope Seattleites will rally around our small business community and arts & cultural organizations in the coming weeks.”

Denise Juneau, Seattle Public Schools superintendent

"Governor Inslee’s announcement makes it clear that we not only need to remain diligent, but we also need to redouble our efforts to take every precaution during this pandemic.

During this time, we are committed to continuing to provide our students with the best educationpossible while also delivering essential services like meals for students and space for childcareproviders."

Cox Media Group