King County Approved for Modified Phase 1 Reopening

By Krista Nelson Slosburg | Related Practice: Employment

On June 5, 2020, Washington State approved King County’s modified reopening plan. Under the plan, some businesses will be allowed to resume activities so long as certain safety measures are in place. Businesses must be sure to follow the Department of Health's specific guidance for their particular industry. Other restrictions, such as reduced occupancy and limits of in-person visits, are also in effect.

Restaurants:

For restaurants, outdoor dining is allowed at 50% capacity with all tables and chairs maintaining six feet of distance, though additional seating will be allowed if it follows best practices. Indoor dining is limited to 25% capacity, so long as at least six feet of social distance is maintained.

Personal Services:

Personal services like hairstylists, barbers, and nail salons are allowed to resume activities so long as they operate at no more than 25% capacity or one person if it is a single bed/chair studio.

Professional Services:

Professional services like accountants, architects, law firms, and financial advisors are allowed to resume activities, but with no more than 25% occupancy. Businesses are directed to provide signs that encourage indoor visitors to limit visits to less than 30 minutes, with face-to-face interactions limited to 30 minutes.

Non-Essential In-Store Retail:

Essential retail activities may continue according to existing state regulations. Non-essential retail activities may operate at no more than 15% building occupancy. Businesses are directed to provide signs that encourage indoor visitors to limit visits to less than 30 minutes, with face-to-face interactions limited to 30 minutes.

Construction:

All construction is authorized to resume, including new projects and including activities for which social distancing may not be maintained.

Universal considerations for reopening:

In addition to reviewing the industry-specific guidance, there are certain universal requirements that all employers should keep in mind:

• Develop a Safe Work Plan that is made available to employees before opening and is posted in the workplace. The Plan should address things like exposure control, mitigation strategies, and procedures in the event that an employee becomes sick.

• Designate a site supervisor who will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day adherence to your Safe Work Plan.

• As employees or customers return, social distancing should continue. This may require new signage that identifies things like new room occupancies, closed seating areas, and one-way walkways.

• Implement health screening measures for employees, customers, and visitors.

• Both state and county regulations require that face coverings be worn in the workplace if individuals are not working alone. Consider providing employees with face coverings and posting additional signage.

For assistance developing a Safe Work Plan or questions about reopening, please contact a member of our Employment Group.