Dear Partners, 

Governor Jay Inslee issued new statewide restrictions on social gatherings and businesses in response to the surge of COVID-19 across Washington state. Seattle was the initial epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in America, and while we have one of the lowest rates of cases of any major city, we are not immune to the virus surging in our communities.

During the first two weeks of November, Seattle had more than 1,550 residents diagnosed with the virus, which is nearly 20% of Seattle’s total cases. The Seattle case count per 100,000 residents is more than five times higher than what it was at the end of the summer, rising from 40.8 cases per 100,000 residents to over 232 cases per 100,000 residents. Cases severe enough to require hospitalizations are four times higher than at the end of the summer, increasing from 1.3 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents to 6.1. The number of people in Seattle currently in the hospital with COVID-19 has increased quickly over the past week and is the highest since April 2020.  

Unlike the other Washington, every step of the way our local officials, residents, and businesses have understood how dangerous and deadly COVID-19 is to our communities. Governor Inslee and public health officials are rightfully raising alarm bells for surging cases and hospitalizations.

The below statewide restrictions will last until December 14, 2020. This note is not an exhaustive list of all restrictions. Please visit the state’s website for a full list of restrictions.

Business activity will be limited under the statewide restrictions. Effective November 16, in-store retail is limited to 25% occupancy, which represents a change from the current 30% occupancy limit. All personal services – like hair salons – are limited to 25% occupancy, which is a decrease from the previous 50% occupancy limit.

Effective November 18, all indoor dining at restaurants and bars is prohibited. Outdoor dining and takeout service can continue, and table occupancy is limited to five guests per table. This represents a change in previous guidance, which allowed indoor dining at 50% capacity and six guests per table. 

The City has several existing resources to help small businesses stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the City’s Office of Economic Development (OED) has provided 469 small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 with $10,000 grants. OED is accepting applications through November 30, 2020 for $4 million in new Small Business Stabilization Grants.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Fire Department (SFD) also have a variety of options for business owners seeking to expand their operations outdoors, including curbside pickup, free street use and block closure permits, and free tent and heating permits. SDOT’s free street use permits for businesses are available through October 31, 2021. Businesses interested in learning more and applying can visit this website.

There’s no doubt that these new restrictions will cause further economic impacts in Seattle and across our state, but we must act urgently to protect public health and save lives. These actions will have a particularly profound impact on our small businesses as we head into what normally would be a busy holiday shopping season. Seattle will continue to work creatively to provide direct financial assistance to our workers and small businesses and find ways for customers to safely support small businesses this holiday season.

Thanks for your partnership as we work to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to follow up with me directly.

Sincerely,

OED/OFM