Phase 3 good news, say local officials

MOSES LAKE — The news Thursday, about the state moving to Phase 3 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan, was good, officials said.

But Grant County Commissioners Cindy Carter and Rob Jones did have a question.

“That’s amazing. So do they know what Phase 3 looks like?” Jones said,

“I’m excited. What does Phase 3 look like?” Carter asked.

Phase 3 will allow up to 50% capacity in indoor spaces, and up to 400 people at indoor and outdoor events. The status of each county will be reviewed every three weeks. Counties with more than 50,000 residents will have different criteria than counties with fewer residents. (See separate story here.)

Adams County Commissioner Jay Weise said it was good news.

“I like the movement. It’s good for the folks,” he said.

Phase 3 shifts the evaluation of progress, or lack of progress, from regions to counties, and Weise said that’s the frustrating part. County officials will need to retool their evaluation system, he said.

Adams County Commissioners have been discussing when and how they will reopen the Adams County Courthouse. Commissioner Dan Blankenship said he was hoping the guidance on reopening public buildings is clearer in Phase 3 than it was in Phase 2.

As for the move to Phase 3, “I’m absolutely very happy to hear that, and relieved to hear that,” Blankenship said.

“That’s a good step. It’s just a step closer to getting back to normal,” Jones said.

One of Jones' businesses provides food at various events, and it was hit hard by the cancellation of so many events during the pandemic. He had expenses, and had to try and meet them, he said.

“It lost a lot of money last year,” he said. “I definitely understand everybody’s problem.”

Carter said business owners have spent the last year either closed completely or operating with reduced capacity.

“I hope we can keep going how we’re going,” she said.

“I’m really thankful for that (reopening), because of our businesses and everything else,” Adams County Commissioner Terry Thompson said.

Phase 3 should make it easier to reopen the courthouse, Thompson said.

“It’s been a long, long road,” Carter said.

Anthony Anton, president and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, said in a statement Thursday easing the restrictions will be good for the state and the hospitality industry.

Restaurants were allowed to reopen to 25% of capacity Feb. 14.

“Since restaurants have been opened in our state, cases have continued to drop,” Anton said. “This is a testament to our rigorous safety standards and practices, which are among the most strict in the nation. We know from extensive data in other states that reopening at 50% capacity is the safest option, and we are confident that cases will continue to drop in our state.”