Washington Governor Jay Inslee says data from COVID-19 projection models show that the rate of infection is increasing in his state, as he urged people to follow his measured approach to slowly reopening the state from his stay-at-home restrictions.
Inslee says data showed that the reproductive rate of the coronavirus in Western and Eastern Washington was above three when the outbreak was first detected in late February and March, meaning each infected person infects about three others.
The governor says the number has since dropped to about one, but data up to April 19th shows that the reproduction rate is on the upswing. Meanwhile, Inslee did say that curb-side retail sales in Washington could begin almost immediately for businesses with reopening plans approved by health officials. Inslee previously announced that his stay-at-home restrictions would be extended through at least May 31, and said there will be a four-stage phase-in for the lifting of restrictions, with a minimum of three weeks between each phase.
However, Inslee did announce that Garfield County and four other rural counties will be able to relax some stay-at-home restrictions early as the state moves through the reopening process.
Businesses in the counties approved to move into Phase 2 must wait to reopen until guidance has been released for their industry on how to keep workers and the public safe. In Phase 2, among the things that would be allowed are in-store retail purchases, with some restrictions, hair salons, barbers, and restaurants at half capacity and tables of less than five people.
Nearly 16,400 people in Washington state have tested positive for the virus and at least 900 have died. (AP)
