Many residents in Spokane County are anxiously awaiting the go-ahead for more businesses to reopen and activities to resume. But health officer Dr. Bob Lutz says we are still not prepared to move ahead in the state's "Safe Start Plan."
When Spokane County eventually moves to Phase 3 of reopening, gatherings of 50 people or less will be allowed, restaurants and taverns can operate at 75% capacity, bars can reopen at 25% capacity, theaters and recreation facilities can reopen at 50% capacity, and libraries and museums will reopen.
The amount of coronavirus cases has increased significantly since Memorial Day weekend, when Spokane County entered into Phase 2 of reopening, Lutz said.
As of Monday morning, the Spokane Regional Health District is reporting 842 coronavirus cases of coronavirus and no new deaths. This is an increase of 40 cases from Friday.
Lutz says he will not support Spokane County moving into Phase 3 of reopening until numbers related to the coronavirus outbreak begin to improve.