Snohomish County not close to entering Phase 3, leaders say
EVERETT — Snohomish County will not be entering Phase 3 any time soon, local leaders say.
Three weeks into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start” reopening of Washington, the county can now apply to advance to the next step, which would allow gatherings of up to 50 people and welcome back bars, public pools, gyms and movie theaters. However, increases in cases and a lack of social distancing is setting the county back, making a bid to proceed futile, officials said Friday.
Friday also marked the beginning of the statewide mandate to wear masks in public — which health experts say is critical to limiting the spread of the virus and getting back on track toward Phase 3.
“As we open up more, it sends a signal to our residents that things are getting better and there’s less cause for concern — this is not the case,” County Executive Dave Somers said during a Friday call with reporters. “I’m really hopeful folks will get much more serious about masks and distancing. If we see that trend turned around, I’m going to push as hard as I can to get us open as quickly as I can. But it really is up to each and every one of you to take those protective measures and help us be successful.”
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