Gov. Inslee updates, clarifies Washington state guidance for religious, fitness services
Gov. Jay Inslee has updated guidance for religious services and answered some frequently asked questions about rules for indoor fitness services aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
The guidance for religious and faith-based services reduces some restrictions as of Aug. 10.
“The Governor still strongly encourages religious leaders and communities to conduct services remotely,” a state document about the requirements said. “Alternatively, drive-in services are permitted in all phases and capacity limits do not apply. Counseling services are essential and may be permitted in-person, if remote counseling is not viable.”
Weddings and funerals have separate guidance.
“The services covered in these operational guidelines include all worship services, religious study classes, religious ceremonies, and religious holiday celebrations,” the document said.
Staff are not included in capacity limits, but volunteers are. Masks and social distancing of 6 feet between households are required.
In phase 1 counties, outdoor services up to 100 people are allowed.
Phase 2 counties can have indoor services with 200 people or at 25 percent of the capacity of the room — whichever is smaller. Outdoor services of 200 are also allowed (still with masks and social distancing required). Services in people’s homes are limited to five people, excluding staff.
Places in Phase 3 can have 400 people or 50 percent capacity at indoor services — whichever is smaller. Outdoor services of 400 also are allowed (still with masks and social distancing required). Services in people’s homes can have 10 people, not including staff.
“Organizations are strongly encouraged to keep a log of attendees at each service or counseling session, and to retain that log for at least two weeks,” the document said. “If an outbreak occurs, this information may be critical to help save lives.”
They’re also required to make a plan about how they’ll follow COVID-19 safety measures.
People who speak during a service with a live audience, including those leading it, need to wear a mask.
Choirs can’t perform at services, and congregations that sing need to keep their masks on.
Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or who lives with someone who has symptoms such as a fever of 100.4 needs to stay home.
Fitness guidelines
Inslee’s new FAQ document about fitness services Aug. 7 says the rules for fitness services in Phase 2 are the same as those in Phase 3.
Outdoor classes with up to 8 people from different homes and 12 people total, excluding instructors, are allowed.
Small group sessions and classes of five people “are now only allowed if 300 square feet of space can be ensured between each member,” the document said. “When exercising in a stationary location, each person must maintain 300 square feet of space of separation from others.”
The FAQ also clarifies that a spotter is allowed if they wear a mask.
Racquetball and squash courts are closed.
Dance recitals for a live audience and social dance parties are not allowed until Phase 4. Competitive dance teams can practice with up to five people in the class.
“The studio would then follow the Phase 2 and Phase 3 Sporting Activities COVID-19 Requirements document,” the FAQ said. “Aerobic dance classes and other fitness-style dance activities are subject to the 300-square-foot requirement.”
As for requirements based on the size of a facility, the FAQ clarifies that only facilities bigger than 12,000 square feet need to limit occupancy to 25 percent (not including trainers). Both those facilities and smaller boutique studios need to space clients out by 300 square feet, which is 17 feet by 17 feet.
“However, members of the same household do not need to strictly adhere to the physical distancing requirements,” the FAQ said.
Facilities that are not supervised, such as some hotel and apartment gyms, cannot be open until Phase 4.
“In all cases, individuals are encouraged to exercise outdoors whenever possible,” the FAQ said.
The governor also issued new requirements regarding agricultural events, such as livestock auctions and dog shows.
This story was originally published August 11, 2020 at 2:01 PM.
