Restaurants, Gyms Can Have 50% Capacity Soon In Washington, Gov. Says

All Washington state counties are moving to Phase 3 soon, which will lighten some COVID-19 restrictions, according to sources.

During a Thursday (March 11) news conference, Gov. Jay Inslee announced changes to the state's Roadmap to Recovery Plan. All counties will start off in Phase 3 and move on a county-by-county evaluation, the governor's office said. This will go into effect on Monday, March 22.

"Under Phase 3, up to 50% occupancy is allowed in all indoor spaces, including restaurants and gyms, with a maximum of 400 people for indoor and outdoor activities if physical distancing and masking are enforced," KOMO reporters wrote.

People will be allowed a professional sporting events, high school sports, rodeos and similar outdoor events at limited capacity. More changes to phases and restrictions will be announced next week.

Counties will also be evaluated every three weeks after April 12, which is when the first evaluation will be scheduled. Evaluations will take place on Monday and take effect on Friday.

"In order to stay in Phase 3, a county must have less than 200 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population per 14 days, and less then 5 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per 100,000 population per 7 days," reporters learned. "If a county fails one or more of the metrics, it will move down one phase. If the statewide ICU capacity is over 90%, the whole state will move back to Phase 1."

Photos: Getty Images