UPDATE: Governor says most business restrictions will be lifted June 30th – sooner if vaccination goal is met

With big news today including new CDC guidance on masks for vaccinated people and Seattle Public Schools’ plan to fully reopen this fall, plus days to go until the end of the 2-week pause in the reopening plan, we’re carrying Gov. Inslee‘s pandemic briefing live. Notes as it goes.

He starts by saying “a huge number of business restrictions … will be lifted June 30th.” This is because of a move to “full focus” on vaccinations as the primary weapon against COVID-19. He says cases and hospitalizations are “both coming down … and we’re very pleased. … And there is universal access to the vaccine now.”

In the “immediate future,” the governor says that as of next Tuesday, every county “will have the opportunity to be in Phase 3,” even if they are now in Phase 2, but it’s up to local decisionmakers. “The basic bottom line is that most of our businesses will stay at 50 percent indoors,” until that full reopening on June 30th – or earlier if the state gets to 70 percent vaccination (at least the first dose) of people 16+. Right now, he says, trends suggest that won’t happen until late June, but it could happen sooner, with capacity/supply for more vaccinations to be given every day than are being given right now.

2:52 PM: Inslee says the new CDC mask guidance for fully vaccinated people will be adopted by our state, effective immediately. That’s two weeks after the second shot if you got Moderna or Pfizer, or after the one and only shot if you got Johnson & Johnson. However, he says, businesses can require workers/customers to wear masks – the new guidance just means that if you’re fully vaccinated, the state won’t require it in most places.

Again, he says, regarding vaccination, “this is a different pandemic strategy, but we need the same level of commitment.”

2:56 PM: He moves on to schools, saying he expects that all will fully open for in-person learning this fall – an announcement that Seattle Public Schools made earlier today. Whether they’ll have any rules depends on the vaccination rate. COVID testing will be “ramped up” in the fall, he says. He also mentions more money for business relief.

3 PM: Now on to media Q&A. The first two questions are for clarification of the new mask guidance. Again, they’ll still be required some places – including health care and public transportation. But businesses CAN still require masks if they choose to. How would businesses check someone’s vaccination status? he’s asked. The state is not planning to require that they check – “but again, they are legally entitled to do so” if they choose, he says. State health secretary Dr. Umair Shah added that what the CDC said today is further recognition that vaccines are effective in both protecting the vaccinated person and preventing people from spreading the virus to others. If you’re still uneasy about getting vaccinated, the governor added, talk with your health-care provider “and get their advice.”

Will the governor follow what Florida is doing and canceling fines/penalties for business violators of COVID rules? No, Inslee says.

Will our state follow what other states are doing and offer incentives (like the Ohio lottery)? The governor “would not rule out these kind of incentives. It is something we’re giving some thought to.” He says to wait and see for possible news “next week.”

The state is not planning to call for “vaccine passports,” but again, individual businesses have the right to ask for proof.

3:27 PM: The briefing has wrapped up with the governor making one more pitch for vaccination, saying there’s no reason to not do it. “We’re looking for leaders here” – if you’re vaccinated and know someone who isn’t, talk to them about it. Overall, today he declares today “one of the most remarkable days” since the start of the pandemic.

The window atop this story will soon feature the archived video. Here’s what the governor’s office has published online about today’s reopening announcement.

86 Replies to "UPDATE: Governor says most business restrictions will be lifted June 30th - sooner if vaccination goal is met"

  • StopCuttingDownTrees May 13, 2021 (3:38 pm)

    This is iNsAniTy. Just 2 weeks ago we were teetering on rolling even King and Snohomish counties back due to the “4th Wave”. Several hospitals in smaller towns report being overwhelmed with COVID patients. Also, we’ll still be far from even 70% full vaccination rate by June 30th. Today’s new CDC guideline is for ZERO mask-wearing in almost all indoor areas despite only 117 million Americans being fully vaccinated. That means tens of millions of unvaccinated “anti-maskers” will now be filling our supermarkets, malls, and bowling allies without masks and can point to the CDC Director if challenged.

    • Lisab May 13, 2021 (3:53 pm)

      Couldn’t agree more! Can hardly believe it. (Love your “name”).

    • Science Is Real May 13, 2021 (4:04 pm)

      Capitalism is real, that’s what this world is all about. No one cares about the flora/fauna of this planet, no one cares that other countries are suffering beyond any words because the virus is mutating like crazy…just take those masks off and BUY, BUY, BUY.

      • Seth May 14, 2021 (7:07 am)

        Hail science our one true savior! It’s settled!

    • mytwocents May 13, 2021 (4:10 pm)

      Since there will be know way to discern a vaccinated person from non-vaccinated, my prediction is we will see many businesses (at least in our region) continue to require masks.  This is perfectly fine by me and completely within a business owners right to do.

    • SadAboutBridge May 13, 2021 (4:23 pm)

      John’s Hopkins shows the mortality rate in the US is 1.8%. Vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce both the infection rate and mortality rate. Some are even 95% effective against Covid. Statistically, if you are vaccinated you have an almost zero chance of getting and then dying from Covid. If you are not interested in getting vaccinated then you bear that risk. Everyone else should be allowed to live their lives. If you don’t like it stay home. 

      • AdmiralE May 13, 2021 (5:06 pm)

        Precisely!

      • J Bruun May 13, 2021 (6:09 pm)

        Agreed!!  110%

      • Joyce May 13, 2021 (7:42 pm)

        But, children under 12 who are not eligible for vaccines cannot just “stay home” — none of this considers the kids. Wait until there are vaccines for everyone before lifting restrictions.

        • Lisa May 13, 2021 (9:28 pm)

          @Joyce – for realz? You want to wait another year? 

        • Shoot it up May 13, 2021 (10:18 pm)

          Kids that aren’t vaccinated can wear a mask. Not hard. 

          • Matt P May 14, 2021 (12:30 am)

            My 5 month old can’t.  We’re stuck at home until it clears up more because we can’t trust that everyone without a mask is actually vaccinated.

          • CAM May 14, 2021 (8:33 pm)

            I’m not sure if the people in this comment section advocating against masks because kids can wear them instead have any experience with kids. You should try explaining to that 5 year old why no one else has to wear a mask all the time but they have to and try to do so in a way that doesn’t give them nightmares and an anxiety disorder. 

      • C May 14, 2021 (10:49 am)

        Actually not totally accurate. I am a healthcare worker and have been vaccinated since January. Unfortunately I have a condition that has me on immunosuppressants and we are finding that the vaccine is MUCH less effective in millions of people like myself. So maybe step off that high horse and realize that it’s not just vaccinated vs unvaccinated. And at any point you could join us as someone who requires meds that save your life but also could change the course of Covid for you. Especially in us frontline workers who have been out there since day 1 doing the heavy lifting in your hospitals. So yeah, the CDC changing the guidelines when so many aren’t vaccinated is a big deal. 

    • COVIDfree May 13, 2021 (5:38 pm)

      Those anti-maskers are only hurting themselves. Vaccinated people have zero chance of dying from COVID, and a very slim chance of even getting sick. Those that choose not to get vaccinated are the only ones at risk. I for one feel that I have done the responsible thing for my community. I have worn a mask, socially distanced, stayed home as much as possible, and encouraged others to do so. Why should I continue to worry about others health when they are the ones that might get sick and die? They have been living their best life and refusing to worry about others, so I am no longer going to worry about them. If people wanted the vaccine, they would have gotten it by now.At what point do we decide to move back to normal? Should we wait for everyone to be vaccinated? I am ready to be done with this. I am vaccinated and should be allowed to go back to my regularly scheduled life.

      • Brian May 14, 2021 (9:34 am)

        To repeat: unvaccinated children are people and they exist. 

    • VBD May 13, 2021 (5:57 pm)

      It’s not insanity at all.  If it wasn’t for the success of vaccinations,
      we likely would have gone into another wave.  The data that has been
      examined over just the last 2 weeks is showing that vaccines do not only
      protect from illness, but also from transmission.  It sounds simple
      enough, but initial testing was largely focused on safety and efficacy,
      not on transmissibility.   But the real world results have revealed that
      it’s also quite effective at reducing transmission too.   That’s
      how science works; you continue to test and change the theories based
      on results.  Inslee has been fantastic at changing our approach as soon
      as new data is released.  Our rapid vaccinations are what have turned
      the corner for us. 

    • My two cents … May 13, 2021 (9:11 pm)

      I say – enough! At this point, vaccines in the Puget Sound region seem readily available – based on that, why should the people that have gone through the vaccination process be, in rather harsh words… Held hostage to the people that don’t want to, refused to or don’t believe in the vaccines?

    • .. May 26, 2021 (12:20 pm)

      Your response literally made me lose brain cells. I’m vaccinated but I think vax cards are taking us 100 years back to segregation “whites only” “show me your papers” do you know how unifying this is???? If you’re vaccinated and STILL concerned stay in your cave!! No one wants you out anyways. 

  • Vaccination FTW May 13, 2021 (3:41 pm)

    If WS business owners requested proof of vaccination for people to not wear masks in their establishments, it may motivate more to get their shots? Some need that carrot on the stick. 

    • Andros May 13, 2021 (6:08 pm)

      Agreed 100%. Carrot the stick!

    • The King May 13, 2021 (7:35 pm)

      I understand where you’re trying to go with this vax requirement but do you actually own a business? It seems to me the ones that haven’t folded are having a rough time as it is. This also sounds a lot like voter ID laws that recently passed, which are being protested as racist because us brown people can’t figure out how to get an ID. When I got a shot I also needed an ID. So according to the people protesting the voter ID laws, I probably wouldn’t even get vaccinated since I wouldn’t have an ID. Sounds like we have a huge problem on our hands. 

      • Vaccination FTW May 13, 2021 (8:16 pm)

        I see your point, that is an issue. Oddly enough, I do own a business, but it hasn’t been impacted by the pandemic in the way you’re suggesting, so that has given me a lot to think about. But doesn’t it seem like this is an example of a task where the last 20% to finish it takes the bulk of the effort and sacrifice? You raise a great point about ID’s, and some immune compromised folks might not be able to get vaccinated either. Seems like there should be an exemption card or something. Wish I knew the answer. 

        • The King May 13, 2021 (10:04 pm)

          To be honest it’s insulting that people think minorities wouldn’t have an ID. The reasons I’ve found are “they don’t know how it works”, “they live in areas that aren’t accessible to a dmv”….etc. Which makes me question the resistance for voter ID laws in the first place. Being appalled for people on their behalf should quietly come to a halt any day now. There are other factors for not getting vaccinated such as religious beliefs or concerns over a pregnancy. I mean if a large order came into your business and they weren’t vaccinated, would you turn them away?

      • Calires May 13, 2021 (8:20 pm)

        All the information that I got when I registered online to get the vaccine clearly stated that if you refused to present, or didn’t have, ID, you would not be denied a vaccine.  It also clearly stated that there was no requirement to show any residency status. It’s also free of charge, so it doesn’t matter whether you have insurance.   They will come to your house if you don’t have the means to get to a vaccine site.  You don’t even have to have internet access because you can just show up and get a vaccine.  If you’re not getting vaccinated, it’s because you don’t want to get vaccinated.

        • Boop May 13, 2021 (9:50 pm)

          Yes. This. 👆🏻

  • Smittytheclown May 13, 2021 (3:43 pm)

    Fantastic!  Independence Day indeed!

  • West Seattle Hipster May 13, 2021 (3:48 pm)

    More great news!                          

  • Mj May 13, 2021 (4:29 pm)

    Smitty it took the CDC a long time time to acknowledge the science, and I am delighted Governor Inslee is respecting the science and lifted the mask mandate for fully vaccinated people in most cases!

  • Ws resident May 13, 2021 (4:35 pm)

    Awesome!  I’m so relieved that we’re nearing the end… my family is doing our part: 2 adults fully vaccinated, 16 year old has one shot, next shot is scheduled for next week.  My 13 year old is getting the first one tomorrow.  Plus all of our extended family of adults are fully vaccinated too. We are so happy about the possibility of a “normal” summer and normal school back in session in the fall!

    • Joyce May 13, 2021 (7:45 pm)

      I’m happy for you Ws resident, but what about those of us with children under 12? None of this is good news for families with kids who have just recently been able to emerge and begin activities. 

      • Lisa May 13, 2021 (9:32 pm)

        @Joyce – I get your concern but this is for vaccinated people. If a child isn’t vaccinated, doesn’t it mean they’ll still need to wear masks and socially distance?

        • Brian May 14, 2021 (9:37 am)

          Yes but now children are at an even higher risk as everyone will cease to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status. 

  • Pessoa May 13, 2021 (4:50 pm)

    Rationality has prevailed.  Now we can stem, and perhaps begin mending, some of the staggering damage done to individual lives and to society in general that hasn’t shown up in Covid statistics.   

  • TJ May 13, 2021 (5:17 pm)

    Everyone has know that roughly 30% of people have said they will not get vaccinated from the beginning, so it shouldn’t be a surprise now. It also can’t be used as a excuse to not fully open up. If you got the vaccine you are good. Those who don’t get it own that decision. I am confident in my bodies defences, and also won’t jump into a vaccine that was fast tracked thru development. I will let time tell if there are side effects from the vaccine that take time to develop. The bottom line is we are now at the point where there is zero reason to not fully open up. People can make their own choices on what they want to do, as it always has been

    • HW May 13, 2021 (9:37 pm)

      Feels important to point out, perhaps for others reading as it sounds you’ve made up your mind, that the vaccine was not actually “fast tracked.” The science behind the vaccine is not new. Beginning in the 90s we were testing similar delivery mechanisms. They had 90% of the ingredients and adapted it for this new virus. 

      • Resident South May 13, 2021 (10:28 pm)

        I got the vaccine. The vaccine was fast tracked. I got the J&J. Three days after I got it they were talking about blood clots. I’m OK with it being fast tracked and I was willing to take the risk either way. But don’t make fun of this individual because they have different feelings. This was not a normal vetting process by any means.

        • HW May 14, 2021 (9:12 am)

          should have clarified, moderna & Pfizer are based on decades old work. not sure about J&J. glad you got it :)

        • Andros May 14, 2021 (9:56 am)

          The J&J vaccine was not the same as the Pfizer/Modera vaccine.   The J&J vaccine uses a different approach to instruct human cells to make the SARS-2 spike protein, which then triggers an immune response.   It is what’s known as a viral vectored vaccine. A harmless adenovirus — from a large family of viruses, some of which cause common colds — has been engineered to carry the genetic code for the SARS-2 spike protein.The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are made using messenger RNA, or mRNA, a technology that delivers a bit of genetic code to cells — in effect, a recipe to make the surface protein (known as spike) on the SARS-2 virus. The proteins made with the mRNA instructions activate the immune system, teaching it to see the spike protein as foreign and develop antibodies and other immunity weapons with which to fight it.mRNA is a technology that his been around since the 90s.  Both of this are safe.  Don’t buy into the hype of the media.

    • C May 14, 2021 (10:55 am)

      Also decades of science shows that side effects show up within the first two months after vaccines are released. Good luck with those body defenses, as even mild cases of Covid are showing delayed and significant effects in the brain, joints, heart, lungs, and more. Hope you don’t Catch it. 

  • Scubafrog May 13, 2021 (5:23 pm)

    I hope businesses require proof of vaccinations for employees/clients and customers – if not, BOYCOTTS.  Otherwise it’s all for naught, and we’ll be right back in a Fifth Covid Wave, thanks to Inslee.  Kids shouldn’t be exposed to ignorant anti-vaxxers, who’re physically propagating the pandemic.

    • Lbalm May 13, 2021 (5:42 pm)

      Private businesses can choose to continue to require masks for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. This would eliminate asking for proof.

    • StopCuttingDownTrees May 13, 2021 (5:44 pm)

      Why require proof of vaccination if vaccinated people are at no risk? Unvaccinated people are assuming their own risk, just as EVERYONE does when they board a plane, train, or automobile. The vaccines are free, available everywhere, and provide protection for the vaccinated AND unvaccinated. 

      • C May 14, 2021 (10:56 am)

        Because even some vaccinated people are at risk, like those who take immunosuppressants, and the vaccine is not 95% effective. It’s not all or nothing.

    • North Delridge May 13, 2021 (6:43 pm)

      Businesses are entitled to do that but I’m sure it will be preferable to either 1) just have the honor system (lol) or 2) just keep masks.  I’ll be happy to visit a business with any of them, but it sounds annoying to carry a vaccine card, especially when it doesnt fit in my wallet. I’m vaccinated so my risk of complications from catching COVID are probably less at this point than being added to one of the flipped car wrecks that are frequently featured on this blog.  Get the jab and enjoy normal life!

      • CAM May 13, 2021 (9:51 pm)

        The rules say a digital image on your phone suffices. No need to carry the card. 

    • seriously? May 13, 2021 (6:44 pm)

      Wow. You never cease to amaze. Are you ever happy with anything anyone does? Why should businesses have to do all the work? Shouldn’t at some point the onus be on the individual? Why do small business owners, who have already suffered through this pandemic, have to add another employee to check vaccination cards. Can’t we go by the honor system? Or do you want the paper checkers to also be on the lookout for fake vaccination cards, and report violators to the government? If non-vaccinated people want to keep spreading the virus amongst themselves, shouldn’t we let them? Why should the vaccinated keep being the responsible ones while the unvaccinated just keep on doing whatever they want?

      • CAM May 13, 2021 (9:54 pm)

        Because people in this country have unfortunately proven over the last year that they don’t care about anyone else and will do whatever they want. You should expect that 30% of the adults walking in the door of your business are refusing to get vaccinated (or 20% in this neighborhood). Do you honestly think those people are going to be wearing a mask? If so you haven’t been paying attention. 

        • Alkimark May 14, 2021 (7:44 pm)

          Yes maybe we should get people to check everyone s status wherever they go.  Maybe these people could , just thinking ,  have red armbands with some kind of symbol on them.  They could insist on seeing everyones vax  papers.  Not what I want, but…

          • CAM May 14, 2021 (8:28 pm)

            This isn’t the Holocaust and you aren’t being persecuted. Stop equating basic common decency with genocide. 

    • sam-c May 13, 2021 (6:52 pm)

      I personally do not understand the stance to boycott businesses.  Business owners are business owners, not the vaccine police.  I have been filled with anxiety during all of this.  As a middle-aged person with a few co-morbidities, I and my family have have been very cautious during all of this.  We endured very stressful outings to stores, planning trips during less busy times, ordering online when possible, keeping kids out of activities where mask requirements/ group sizes seemed risky, etc.However, I’m now fully vaccinated as of a week or so ago (2 weeks after 2nd shot)If you are so concerned that you are calling for businesses to check vaccinations, I am assuming you are vaccinated yourself ?  With the well established (science backed reports, etc.) regarding the protection provided by vaccinations, I’m assuming you are vaccinated? Why are you putting the onus on business owner to police their customers?  As a vaccinated person, I, (and you, I hope) should have some comfort in knowing you are protected by your vaccine.  Why would you then start calling for a boycott?   I see that you have concern for children. I do too. But my kids have barely been to any public places during all this (Target twice in the past year, compared to a couple times a month, previously). If they start going now, they will be wearing masks. Beyond that, if we are not comfortable with a situation we can leave (which, in itself is a boycott, I guess). But targeting businesses based on their vaccine or mask policies seems extreme if you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and family.  Maybe I am missing something.

    • Dd May 13, 2021 (7:30 pm)

      I know of two different restaurant workers in my immediate vicinity who are not getting vaccinated but are continuing to work at their respective restaurant jobs. That freaked me out.

    • West Seattle Mad Sci Guy May 13, 2021 (7:45 pm)

      Have you seen vaccination rates for the area?  Several zip codes nearby are at 80+ percent. Why “BOYCOTTS”.  This was going to end some day. We’re almost there.

      • Scubafrog May 13, 2021 (9:18 pm)

        I can’t imagine anyone being serious about “boycotting” any business.  I wrote that as a jest, and regret it.  I’m a HUGE SUPPORTER OF LOCAL BUSINESSES, and my choice of word was stupid, I apologise.  I think local businesses have handled the pandemic beautifully.  The local economy and community are symbiotic.

  • Mj May 13, 2021 (5:44 pm)

    The carat is, get vaccinated and ditch the mask.  And a stick, if you choose to not get vaccinated and get sick you also get to pay the bill!

  • HarborIslandWorker May 13, 2021 (5:48 pm)

    This is great news….if businesses are fully open then that means they won’t be struggling anymore and they don’t need special privilege to use the low bridge and access can be given back to the displaced westseattle residents that work on harbor island and the people that work in that Corridor can get back to using a bridge that they have for years vs people that only used it when it was convenient for them…………………..                     #Givelowbridgeaccessbacktoharborislandworkers

  • Mr J May 13, 2021 (5:53 pm)

    Stop putting small business in these positions. Mad at the Governor for putting this on our plates and the comment to boycott business that don’t  require vaccine cards. That’s an ADA violation, we can’t do that. Wear your masks until your local spots can catch up and determine what’s best for their business. 

    • smallbizowner May 13, 2021 (6:31 pm)

      Thank you for saying what I was going to say.  My business will ask people to wear a mask if they are not vaccinated, but I will not ask them for their vaccination card. If they don’t want to get vaccinated, that’s on them. Vaccinated people are safe from COVID, which is why the CDC changed the guidelines. Wearing a mask is for protecting other people, and those that are vaccinated no longer have a responsibility to protect the unvaccinated.  At this point, not getting the vaccine is a choice. We won’t be going maskless right away, but will once I know my entire staff is fully vaccinated.

      • CAM May 13, 2021 (10:02 pm)

        If you don’t want to verify vaccine status than why get rid of your mask rules? Businesses can set their own rules. You don’t have to loosen your rules because the law changed. For the comfort and safety of all your customers, and out of respect for them, why wouldn’t you want to create an environment that everyone can feel comfortable coming to (particularly when 70-80% of those individuals agree that masks are necessary if people aren’t vaccinated)? The only conclusion those customers can draw is that you agree with the antimaskers if you’re willing to allow them to run rampant in your business. 

    • Vic May 13, 2021 (7:26 pm)

      Not saying I agree with businesses requiring vaccine passports but the ADA does not do that…

      • CAM May 13, 2021 (9:58 pm)

        Yeah, I walked past a business downtown last weekend that had a sign on their door detailing the reasons people might not be able to wear masks and I thought to myself, I won’t be going in there. 

  • curiousquestioner May 13, 2021 (6:49 pm)

    This is fantastic news! So happy to see our policies catching up with data and science. It’s also really nice not to see people insulting the president’s character for the decision made by the CDC. 

  • maskup for kids May 13, 2021 (7:23 pm)

    Elementary staff should be required to be vaccinated and we should mask up for the younger kids. My kids will continue to wear masks until they can be vaccinated.

    • Dr. No May 14, 2021 (6:03 am)

      I see a lot of comments on here about kids needing to continue to mask up. Are there a bunch of otherwise healthy kids getting seriously ill and dying from the virus? Is there data out there that suggests that? I’ll save you the research, there isn’t. Making your 11 month old or 9 year old wear a mask with little to no risk from the virus is unnecessary.  Kids need to get back to being kids. I mean the goal has always been to protect the most vulnerable. Kids have never been the most vulnerable. They have strong healthy immune systems. If you’re worried about transmission then get vaccinated. Simple. I do agree that teachers should all be vaccinated. That makes sense. 

      • Diane May 14, 2021 (2:14 pm)

        kids are asymptomatic spreaders; that’s #1 reason kids should wear masks, so they don’t spread it to elders who are at high risk

        • Dr.No May 14, 2021 (7:20 pm)

          Or..get vaccinated if you’re elderly? That’s the point right? If your high risk get vaccinated. We’re never going to win, face it. The virus will always win. If you want to live in a world where kids need to wear masks to prevent unproven asymptomatic spread of something that a certain demographic of the population has already been vaccinated for, go right ahead. I don’t. 

  • Small biz owner May 13, 2021 (7:43 pm)

    As a small business owner I am not ready to have people in the building without a mask. For the most part clients will continue to wear one, but I am nervous about those I know will try to come in without one. 

    • CAM May 13, 2021 (10:05 pm)

      As a potential customer, thank you. Despite any flack you get I’m certain that the majority of your customers appreciate your decision. I don’t disagree with the science as stated but this rush by some business owners in this comment section to throw the rules out the door is disturbing on an intellectual and ethical level. 

    • momof3boys May 14, 2021 (10:22 am)

      Thank you! I too will feel safer in small businesses, especially food-related businesses, if people are masked up. I am thankful that we can eat outside and/or get take out.

  • GetVaccinated May 13, 2021 (9:40 pm)

    Love you WS and for those who like wearing masks go for it. I followed all the rules, quarantined, got vaccinated waited two weeks and now I am following the science and not wearing a mask and gonna love it! I have my vaccine card with dates and can show my id. Be prepared for those who followed the rules to get back to normal as a reward. 

  • GetVaccinated May 13, 2021 (9:49 pm)

    The only people who should be worried about this are people who are not vaccinated. If you did not do your part of getting the vaccine I am not sure why you think those of us who followed the rules and took the time to do the right thing should continue shutting down our lives? As far as businesses go, they can choose if they want to demand masks or not. Patrons can go into business or not. It is pretty simple. Although if I can prove my vaccine not sure if a business has the right to make me wear one? 

    • WSB May 14, 2021 (1:26 am)

      Yes, they do. The governor made that very clear. And that’s the way businesses work anyway – a la “no shirt, no shoes, no service.”

      • Auntie May 14, 2021 (5:15 pm)

        I’m sure somebody is already printing the signs: “No Shot, No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service!”

    • Brian May 14, 2021 (9:42 am)

      How does wearing a mask equate to shutting down your life? I’m confused. 

      • Jort May 16, 2021 (5:01 pm)

        It doesn’t, people have just chosen to make this dumb mask thing the 2021 equivalent of the Declaration of Independence. It’s ridiculous and childish, but what else is new.

  • Whatabouttheunder40crowd May 13, 2021 (10:34 pm)

    I was first eligible for vaccine on april 15 and was able to get my first shot the next day (moderna). I won’t be considered fully vaccinated until may 28. It seems like waiting to lift mask mandates a few weeks for the rest of us to get through the second vax would be prudent and supportive of those community members who waited their turn.

    • Jeff May 14, 2021 (5:58 am)

      Yeah it does burn a little bit to have played by the rules, gotten the vaccine as soon as I could  within those rules, and now to be told that everyone who was interested is already protected.    Guess I wasn’t interested enough back when I let the immunocompromised and elderly go first!

    • BetteDavisEyes May 14, 2021 (8:33 am)

      Excellent point.  Many of us are under 60, didn’t have special conditions, and didn’t jump the line, so we got our first shots on or shortly after April 15.  As a result, many of us are still either waiting to get our second shot or are still in the two-week period after our second shot and are not yet fully protected.  It’s important that we continue to mask until our bodies build up to maximum protection (which is still not 100%).

  • Andy May 14, 2021 (7:49 am)

    It’ll be interesting to see the politicization of this situation, too. We’ll be getting lists of businesses that do and do not require masks for entry, businesses that do and do not require vax card checks, and the actual calls for boycotts will begin. It’s a shame how unwilling so many of us are to quietly follow our consciences, while leaving our condemnation of others out of it.

  • Lbalm May 14, 2021 (9:06 am)

    Kroger (also operates QFC & Fred Meyer) has already said they will continue to require masks, and this morning PCC said they would as well. Metropolitan Market on the other hand allowed people (including staff) to mask or not, no one checking your vac card. So, bring a mask and ask. These are private businesses and can make their own rules.

  • momof3boys May 14, 2021 (10:21 am)

    Another data point – those of us who are immune-compromised are still at risk, small though it may be, of serious illness, even if we’re vaccinated – which I thankfully am. I take that on myself, and will continue to wear my mask in “crowded” public places. I just wish that I didn’t get the evil eye, or the eye roll when I do. But, again, my choice – and I will continue to stay away from places that I don’t deem safe. I am blessed, I have family members who can grocery shop, etc. for me.

  • Biz Owner May 14, 2021 (12:43 pm)

    As a cafe owner, should I caution an obese person to maybe skip the carbs?  Or freak out on a smoker?  An alcoholic?  And that “they” need to foot the medical bills?  This pandemic has completely pitted people against business owners… places that make this island a community.  We donate endlessly to charities, schools and give food to many homeless that need to use our restroom.Me or my staff do not discriminate amongst our customers which brings a great number of regulars.  You either like my place, or not.  But I really don’t feel comfortable with being the police in all this.  Like everyone says- if you are vaccinated, great.  If not, you probably have antibodies, or would rather chance with your immune system.  I am so excited to see everyone’s smiles!  And I think kids should shed their masks.  We act like this is the only thing that will kill us, crazy.  Eat well, drink lots of water, sleep well, exercise, and… laugh.  If you are vaccinated and do that… you most likely will be immortal!  Yay.

    • heartless May 16, 2021 (6:51 pm)

      ” And I think kids should shed their masks.”

      Uh…

  • R. Jackson May 15, 2021 (12:41 pm)

    Perhaps all those wonderful annual summer festivities in Seattle were canceled a bit prematurely?  

    • WSB May 15, 2021 (2:20 pm)

      Here’s the problem. “All those wonderful annual summer activities” require months of planning and preparation. Back when those months of planning would have had to launch, it was not possible to know that we’d be “fully reopened” by mid-summer, so organizers had to make the call – TR

      • Pessoa May 15, 2021 (4:12 pm)

        WSB:   I agree.  And the blame rests squarely on the CDC and states like Washington for failing to follow their own science and loosen the restrictions on celebrations like the West Seattle Parade.   Nothing has changed since at least February when we knew that it was safe for the vaccinated to go out and congregate in public, even without masks.  The immuno-compromised have known since the beginning the risks specific to them – even being vaccinated – and we knew low-risk children would probably continue to mask, being low on the vaccination totem pole.  It is simply asking too much of the vaccinated who are at virtually no risk to give up vitally important community celebrations simply because they might tempt a few irresponsible unvaccinated to join in on the fun – which is what this is really about, after all. 

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