With Whitman County’s move to Phase 3 over the weekend, a broader range of services are able to begin reopening, though WSU continues to take a deliberative and gradual approach to make sure health and safety plans are fully developed.
Phase 3 of Washington’s Safe Start plan allows for the reopening of libraries and museums, as well as recreational facilities at less than 50 percent capacity, among other allowances. Before doing so, the state must issue industry-specific guidance and safety criteria for these businesses and entertainment venues to follow, some of which are still being developed.
WSU leaders will evaluate guidance and safety criteria as it is offered and ensure full compliance before reopening facilities. The latest updates on how the move to Phase 3 is affecting WSU will be found on the university’s COVID-19 website as changes are made.
Through Phases 2 and 3, working remotely is preferred as long as it doesn’t hamper essential operations. A complete guide on returning to a WSU work location can be found on the WSU Human Resource Services website.
Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved the county’s application to move into Phase 3 on June 6. Each county must remain in its current phase for three weeks before petitioning to move to the next phase.
