Social Distancing And Coronavirus

On March 23, 2020, Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued Proclamation No. 20-25 including a “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” Order designed to combat the person-to-person spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington State.  Until the order expires or is amended, all people in Washington are ordered to “cease leaving their home or place of residence” except for certain approved activities including “employment in providing essential business services.”  Although all essential businesses are encouraged to remain open and maintain operations, they must establish and implement social distancing and sanitization measures established by the United States Department of Labor or the Washington State Department of Health Guidelines.

This order triggers two primary issues of particular importance to our business clients:

(1) Which activities can you continue engaging in under the order?

(2) What social distancing policy is appropriate for your business?

Beresford Booth can advise you on the contours of which business activities are considered essential and permitted under Governor Inslee’s order.  Regardless of the extent to which your business activities are considered “approved,” all businesses would be well advised to adopt a written social distancing policy to minimize risk and ensure clear guidance for employees.  Contact us for further advice and assistance on how to navigate through Governor Inslee’s order.

BERESFORD BOOTH has made this content available to the general public for informational purposes only. The information on this site is not intended to convey legal opinions or legal advice.