After what feels like forever, the state of Washington is fully reopen once again. Gone are the regulations preventing you from gathering in numbers, attending shows and sports, and keeping your distance from everyone. Not gone is the COVID-19 coronavirus but the vaccinations are continuing.
We're open again and it's gonna be weird.
We've been some combination of freaked out/scared/angry and suddenly it all goes away as abruptly as it shows up. As of June 30, 2021 here are what the restrictions look like:
-Vaccine verification/negative testing: Recommended but not required for large indoor and outdoor events
-Capacity limitations: No restrictions in restaurants, bars, stores, businesses, theaters etc. (except large indoor events)
-Physical distancing: No requirements
-Facial coverings: Not required for vaccinated individuals, unless required by individual business
-Travelers: Follow CDC recommendations
When it comes to masks its a little more confusing:
-Masks will still be required for public transportation, in schools, in healthcare facilities and more.
-Private businesses can still require you to mask up before entering.
-Outside mask usage is over.
-People who are not vaccinated still need to wear them indoors.
The tier system is over. Concerts and events are back on and restaurants can reopen fully. Again, restrictions within private businesses may vary so your favorite concert venue may still require social distancing or ask you to keep your mask on your pretty face.
People are going to be wearing masks. We took our 3-yo to the Sounders FC match and because he can't be vaccinated, he had to wear a mask. Any parent knows that it's way easier to get him to wear it if we wear it despite an overwhelming majority of other fans without them.
Seattle Sounders FC announced they'd be back to capacity for the first home match following the re-opening, a game on July 7th, 2021 against Houston Dynamo.
It's going to be weird and my best advice for everyone is to mind your own business. Being judgmental without all the details of the people around you is going to drive your own stress up but more importantly for me, if you don't feel ready to ditch the mask, keep that sucker on your face!