Bars and restaurants close statewide to prevent spread of virus

Meghan Walker Ballard

Update: Here’s a list of Ballard restaurants that are offering take-out or delivery, compiled from a few sources (Seattle PI, Intentionalist, Down Home Seattle):

If you know of others to add to the list, email us at tips@myballard.com.

Original: In yet another move to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Washington, bars and restaurants are being forced to temporarily close for the rest of March, and all gatherings must be capped at 50 people.

Governor Jay Inslee announced the news on Sunday evening: “Given the explosion of COVID-19 in our state and globally, I will sign a statewide emergency proclamation tomorrow to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities.”  

Gov. Inslee clarified that restaurants will still be allowed to provide take-out, drive-thru, and delivery services, but no in-person dining will be permitted. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and gas stations will stay open, and all other retailers will have to cap their occupancy at 50.

“Additionally, all gatherings with over 50 participants are prohibited and all gatherings under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met,” Gov. Inslee said.

“These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the disease. I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges.”

The City of Seattle has implemented several programs to help small businesses and workers during the pandemic. Here’s a list, from Mayor Jenny Durkan’s office:

  • Providing immediate financial relief through B&O and utility deferred payment plans;
  • Implementing a temporary moratorium on residential evictions to prevent working people from losing their homes;
  • Investing $1.5 million in small businesses financially impacted by the pandemic;
  • Launching a COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Task Force to ensure policy solutions are responsive to community needs; and
  • Preparing to provide direct technical assistance to small businesses applying for federal Small Business Administration loans, as soon as the loans become available.

If you want to support your favorite Ballard restaurants, call to see if they are offering take-out or delivery options (and check out this list put together by the Seattle P-I). The restrictions are in place until March 31; we’ll update if that changes.

8 thoughts to “Bars and restaurants close statewide to prevent spread of virus”

      1. Oh great, thank you! I will definitely order from them this week.

        I hope these establishments get as much support as possible during this.

  5. Great to see a string of supportive posts in this forum. Hopefully this pandemic continues to inspire us to come together as a community.

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