Gov. Inslee staff schedules press briefing for 1 p.m. Monday

UPDATE: Details of the plans laid out in Monday’s briefing here.

Gov. Jay Inslee’s staff has scheduled a news briefing for 1 p.m. Monday to discuss his phased approach to re-opening Washington’s economy.

On Friday, the governor announced he is extending the stay-at-home order through May 31 to continue the social distancing strategy against the new coronavirus pandemic.

An Inslee aide said the press briefing is expected to provide more details on the reopening plan. Inslee said Friday that businesses will reopen in four phases, each one separated by at least three weeks.

The governor said smaller counties not hit hard by COVID-19 will be able to apply to the state Department of Health for a variance from his order “that will allow for more quickly moving to each next phase.”

Those set to take part in the briefing are Lisa Brown, director of the state Department of Commerce; Kathryn Leathers, general counsel; Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer in the Department of Health; David Postman, the governor’s chief of staff; Nick Streuli, acting external relations director; Kelly Wicker, deputy chief of staff; and John Wiesman, secretary of the Department of Health.

This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 11:48 AM.