In a statewide announcement this evening, Gov. Jay Inslee has ordered that all Washingtonians stay home for the next two weeks, except for crucial tasks such as grocery shopping, medical care, or those who work in essential businesses.
Inslee said the mandate is enforceable by law. “It’s time to hunker down in order to win this fight,” Inslee said in his broadcast.
The stay-at-home order will ban all gatherings of people for any reason, including religious gatherings, weddings, and funerals.
All non-essential businesses will be closed in 48 hours, and according to the Seattle Times, Washington will follow other states’, such as California’s, lead in allowing restaurants to still offer take-out and delivery. Pharmacies, food banks, convenience stores, banks, and grocery stores will remain open, among others. (Here’s a list of businesses that California deemed essential)
The mandate is for a minimum of two weeks.