By Olivia Wynkoop
(OLYMPIA, Wash.) On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee said Washington state is set to open at 100% capacity by June 30 at a news conference.
This announcement follows after a decline in the state's cases, along with a recent green light from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control for vaccinated people to no longer wear masks indoors.
"Trends suggest it won’t be until late June when we reach our desired vaccination rate, which is why we’ve set June 30 for reopening, but I hope people will see this as an opportunity to reopen even sooner if we can stay motivated, stay informed and get more people vaccinated faster," Inslee said at the press conference.
The Washington Department of Health estimates that 57% of all Washingtonians over 16 have at least one dose of the vaccine. If the number reaches 70%, the state may reopen sooner, according to Inslee.
Thirty-nine counties are also reaching Phase 3 of the reopening plan next week, which allows 50% capacity in indoor spaces. Sporting events, performances and events will no longer have a limit on vaccinated attendees.
These reopening plans are subject to ICU capacities, however. If hospitals reach 90% capacity again, Inslee said that the state will see restrictions again.
"This does not mean our state of emergency will end on June 30, because the extraordinary emergency created by this pandemic continues," he said. "The virus is not done with us, we are merely entering another chapter - one that shifts from restrictions to vaccinations."