Travel and big events becoming ‘more normal’

Travel and big events becoming ‘more normal’

Posted on July 13, 2021 0

COVID mitigation measures on travel and other activities will continue after the full reopening of Washington’s economy, which was scheduled to open June 30 or earlier.

Industries may return to usual operations at that time, but guidance for wearing face masks will remain. Also, there will be capacity restrictions at venues for large indoor events.

Also still in place are Washington’s current travel guidelines, which mirror the national recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Thanks to the effectiveness and availability of free vaccinations that have been given so far to at least two-thirds of the state’s residents, “soon we will be able to go back to more normal operations,” Governor Jay Inslee said in mid-June.

Here’s what to know about “more normal” in Washington:

Attending large events

Larger events have a significantly greater risk of spreading disease than smaller ones, especially indoors.  Venues that can accommodate 10,000 or more people will be restricted to 75 percent capacity after the state lifts most COVID restrictions. Physical distancing won’t be required, but attendees must follow masking requirements. The state will reevaluate the rules at the end of July, Inslee said.

The Tacoma Dome is an example of indoor venues where people attending events such as concerts or athletic contests will be required to wear face masks after the state’s full reopening.

The CDC’s travel advisories are still in effect. They include:

  • Before you travel, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and get tested one to three days before the trip.
  • Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation into, within, or out of the country and in U.S. airports and stations.
  • Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet (about two arm lengths) from anyone who’s not traveling with you.
  • Get tested three to five days after your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for seven, even if you’re the test is negative. If you don’t get tested, self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
  • For international travel, the CDC recommends avoiding it. All air passengers, including U.S. citizens, who do travel between countries must have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States.