Gov. Inslee says businesses will be required to refuse service to people not wearing face coverings

Meghan Walker Ballard

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, Governor Jay Inslee has rolled back some reopening easements, and is requiring that businesses refuse service to those not wearing a face covering, starting next week.

In an announcement on Thursday afternoon, Gov. Inslee said that the state is pushing pause on allowing counties to apply for advancement to new phases of the reopening plan. The pause will be in place for at least two weeks.

Additionally, bar-top service at restaurants is no longer allowed; patrons must sit at physically distanced tables in small groups.

Washington Secretary of Health John Wiesman echoed Inslee’s urging that everyone wear masks in public, citing that 20 to 40 percent of COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic. “We know that people can spread the virus for two days before showing symptoms,” he said.

“Coverings are a critical tool to slow the spread of the virus,” Wiesman said.

Under the new restrictions, bars in counties that have been approved in Phase 3 will still be allowed to reopen, but without bar seating.

King County is still in Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start reopening plan.

17 thoughts to “Gov. Inslee says businesses will be required to refuse service to people not wearing face coverings”

      1. Yup he did. And for some reason he keeps insisting on showing the world how much of a creep he is with comments like that, and his disturbing obsession Dan Strauss.

    1. Just shut up and pay your taxes. Blinded/buffaloed by a complete ideological moron. While making you orgasm again, his hands are SO deep into your pockets, and you don’t know it. Brilliant. Svengali stuff. OK, we’ll wear a mask. Then what?

      1. “OK, we’ll wear a mask. Then what?”

        What next is to then finally stop complaining about wearing a mask and go about life knowing you are doing something good for yourself, others around you, and your community.

  3. One thing to remember is this is not law. Inslee does not have the power to simply make law himself. Even if his emergency powers hadn’t expired in May they didn’t go this far.

    The real question is; why he hasn’t simply called the legislature in to give him a bill to sign? He would have the votes. Is he avoiding that because he wants to rule without having to follow any of the laws? Is he preparing to keep his power even after the virus has run it’s course? Is he using his power to go after his opponents?

    Who would have thought that the so many here in Washington would accept this level of authoritarianism.

    2. Poor oppressed snowflake. Masks reduce transmission and save lives. Take the tinfoil hat off your head and use it to cover your fool mouth.

  4. If you don’t want to wear a mask you just have to say you have a breathing problem you don’t have to say anything else ! Funny how that works ain’t it !

    1. If you can’t wear a mask many businesses must make reasonable accomodations such as allowing you to pre-order for curbside pick up or delivery. It isn’t a get out of being a responsible human free card.
      There are some businesses that do not have to make any accomodations and may simply refuse service such as barbers and hair salons where no reasonable accomodations exist that would also protect the employees.

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