Under a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued by Gov. Jay Inslee Monday, residents all over the state, including Bellevue, must stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
In addition, all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes are banned, and only essential businesses – including grocery stores, pharmacies, child-care facilities and gas stations – can remain open. Weddings and funerals are included in the ban on gatherings.
The proclamation states it’s still safe for people to go outside as long as they remain at least six feet from each other. People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening and dog-walking – as long as they follow social distancing rules.
Bans on gatherings (private and public) and going out take effect immediately. Non-essential businesses have 48 hours to comply with the order.
The order follows other state-issued orders within the last couple of weeks aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19.
Inslee expects businesses and residents to voluntarily comply. He will discuss possible enforcement mechanisms in the coming days if residents and businesses do not comply.
Food supply operations – including grocery stores and hunger relief services – are essential and will remain open through the crisis. Take-out and delivery food services are also still allowed.
The City of Bellevue will continue to keep its COVID-19 web page updated with the latest health recommendations and actions taken by the city to respond to the crisis. A list of business resources is also being maintained to help local businesses impacted by this order and other health recommendations.