“Stay Home” orders in Washington, Oregon

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order on Monday that will be in effect for two weeks. The order explicitly forbids residents from leaving their homes except in four cases:

  • Pursuing an essential activity, like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.
  • Getting takeout food. (Food deliveries also are permitted).
  • Going to work at an essential business.
  • Going outside for walks and exercise, as long as social distancing of six feet is maintained.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, food supply chains and other businesses necessary for continued operation are permitted to stay open, but all non-essential businesses must close by Wednesday. The definition of “essential” can be found here. All public and private gatherings for social, spiritual, or recreational purposes, must be postponed, regardless of size.

The order came the same day as Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced the “Stay Home, Save Lives” order and campaign (example below). While the orders are largely similar, there are a few key differences.

Oregon

“Stay Home, Save Lives” Executive Order by Gov. Kate Brown

Washington

“Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Executive Order by Gov. Jay Inslee
Permitted Activities:

  • Pursuing an essential activity, like shopping for groceries, going to a medical appointment, or picking up take-out food
  • Going to work at an essential business
  • Going outside for recreational activities when a six-foot distance can be maintained.
 Permitted Activities:

  • Pursuing an essential activity, like shopping for groceries, going to a medical appointment, or picking up take-out food
  • Going to work at an essential business
  • Going outside for recreational activities when a six-foot distance can be maintained.
Gatherings

Prohibited where a distance of six feet between participants cannot be maintained

 Gatherings

Prohibited in all circumstances until April 6.
Businesses

Lists businesses that must close including:

  • Shopping: Outdoor and indoor malls and retail complexes, although individual types of businesses not subject to the measures may stay open.
  • Fitness: Gyms, sports and fitness centers, health clubs, and exercise studios
  • Grooming: Barbershops, beauty and nail salons, and non-medical wellness spas
  • Entertainment: Theaters, amusement parks, arcades, bowling alleys, and pool halls
 Businesses

Lists essential businesses that may continue to operate, including:

  • Health care providers
  • Emergency services
  • Food and agriculture network, from production to processing to delivery.
  • Utilities, including electricity, petroleum and natural gas/propane, and water/wastewater
  • Transportation and logistics
  • Communications and information technology
  • Critical manufacturing, chemical production and hazardous material cleanup
  • Financial services
  • Military support operations
Childcare

Permitted for groups of 10 or fewer children who are in the same group each day, in a setting not accessible to children outside the group. Priority should be given to children of essential workers.

 Childcare

Permitted for children of essential workers across all sectors and uniquely vulnerable children.
Penalty

Failure to comply could result in a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum of 30 days in jail and/or a fine up to $1,250.

 Penalty

Failure to comply could result in a gross misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of $5,000.
Link to the Oregon order. Link to the Washington order.