Inslee ‘cautiously pleased’ in decline of COVID-19 cases, as he allows bowling alleys to reopen

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday he is “cautiously pleased” with Washington’s success in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but he reminded everyone there is still a long way to go.

Inslee shared data in a Thursday news conference that suggests the state’s numbers are on the decline with the statewide “R-naught” number – the reproduction rate of the virus – nearing one and overall case rates decreasing. However, the pandemic is far from over.

“There’s some encouragement, but there’s many, many miles to go,” Inslee said.

Inslee pointed to the state’s incidence rate per 100,000 people as an area that needs improvement. The current two-week average of cases per 100,000 people is 110 cases across the state. The target is 25. Even if the state manages to reach that 25-case goal, however, Inslee said it will take even more work to maintain it.

“We had bent the curve down once before, and it has come back,” he said.

As cases in the Inland Northwest plateau, Spokane County saw 45 new cases on Thursday, according to the Spokane Regional Health District. One more resident died from the virus, bringing the county total to 109 deaths.

As of Thursday, there are 34 county residents hospitalized for the virus.

Inslee also announced new guidance that would allow for recreational activities, such as museums, bowling and agritourism, to operate in counties in Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start reopening plan.

Museums can now operate in Phase 2 counties as long as capacity is limited to 25% and exhibits remain touchless. Museums in Phase 3 can operate at 50% capacity.

Bowling league play is now allowed in Phase 2 and 3 without spectators, as long as there are only two bowlers per lane and no equipment is shared. Only league practice and play is allowed in these phases.

Agritourism, such as U-pick farms and tree farms, can operate in Phase 2 counties, as long as most operations are outside and social distancing can occur. No activities such as hayrides or campfires are permitted.

Social distancing and mask wearing is still required for all activities.

Inslee praised Yakima County for its success in mask wearing, which he said health officials believe is causing a significant decline in cases in the county. Yakima implemented a mask mandate before the rest of the state did, and their numbers have significantly decreased since the outbreak in early July, according to Department of Health data.

There could be other factors that caused the decrease, and epidemiologists still are trying to determine what might have caused the decrease in cases. But Inslee said the only thing that seems to have changed since the county’s peak is the mask mandate.

“It’s really encouraging for the rest of the state,” he said.

As the state continues its contact tracing, Health Secretary John Wiesman said Thursday the biggest challenge has been people not answering their phones or responding to contact tracers who want information.

It’s been an issue across the country, Wiesman said.

“We have provided the person power,” Inslee said. “It’s people’s cooperation that we need now.”

Across the state border, the Panhandle Health District reported 27 new cases on Thursday with 16 in Kootenai County.

There are 16 people hospitalized in the district, which includes Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Shoshone counties.

Thirty-three Panhandle residents have died due to COVID-19.