Safe Travel Guidance

Thursday, May 13, 2021

The safe and healthy travel of our visitors is our highest priority. Travelers to Thurston County should continue to observe the health recommendations of national and local public health officials as they plan to travel, when they travel, and when they are visiting any destination.

Currently, Washington State is following CDC guidance, which states that fully-vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance, except as required by local businesses and workplace regulations. Additional Phase 3 guidance for public spaces, where proof of vaccination is not required or available, is as follows:

 

Travel Status / COVID-19

Gatherings

Indoor social gatherings are limited to 400 people or 50% of capacity of the venue, whichever is lower.

Outdoor social gatherings are limited to 400 people so long as that does not exceed 50% capacity for the location. Larger venues with assigned seating are capped at 25% occupancy or up to 9,000 people, whichever is lower.

Wedding and funeral ceremonies, receptions are permitted following venue guidelines.

Travel

CDC guidance states that fully-vaccinated people are allowed to travel domestically and internationally. Non-vaccinated people are advised to test for COVID-19 prior to travel and should self-quarantine for 10 days upon return.

Restaurants & Retail

Indoor seating is permitted at 50% capacity or 400 people, whichever is lower.

Outdoor seating is limited to 400 people so long as that does not exceed 50% capacity for the location.

Retail stores, including grocery stores and malls must limit occupancy to 50%, excluding employees.

Masks

Fully-vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask, except as required by local businesses and workplace regulations. 

 

Resources

 

FUTURE TRAVEL

Studies show that the act of PLANNING a trip puts us in the same positive psychological state as being on the trip itself. So, if you are eager to feel better in stressful times, consider planning a trip to the Olympia region.

SAFE TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Impact Timeline

  • January 21, 2020 / The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Washington State Department of Health announced the first case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States in Washington State.
  • February 29, 2020 / Washington State Governor Jay Inslee declared a State of Emergency throughout the state to reduce the number of infections and maximize containment in the region.
  • March 11, 2020 / Thurston County Public Health and Social Services announced the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Thurston County. To access updated information from PHSS about Covid-19 in Thurston County click here.
  • March 12, 2020 / Thurston County's Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution declaring the Covid-19 outbreak a local emergency. The Thurston County Board of Health then passed a resolution imposing restrictions for events over 250 people and social-distancing measures for events with less than 250 people.
  • March 16, 2020 / Gov. Inslee signed an emergency proclamation banning gatherings over 50 people. Gatherings with fewer than 50 people are prohibited unless strict criteria for hygiene & social distancing are met. Grocery stores & pharmacies will stay open. Restaurants that allow take-out service will continue to operate. Dine-in restaurants, bars, clubs & theaters, indoor recreational venues such as gyms and yoga studios must cease operations. Retail stores are closed unless operating at special capacities and strict criteria for hygiene and social distancing. These rules will be in effect until March 30, 2020 and may be extended after that.
  • March 29, 2020 / United States Government advises canceling all events of 10 or more people nationwide until April 30. Washington State extends stay at home order until April 30.
  • May 1, 2020 / Washington State extends the stay at home order until May 31 and announces a phased "Safe Start" reopening program
  • May 5, 2020 / Washington State lifts some restrictions on outdoor recreation
  • May 27, 2020 / Thurston County moved into Phase 2 of Washington State's "Safe Start" reopening program
  • June 24, 2020 / Thurston County moved into Phase 3 of Washington State's "Safe Start" reopening program
  • June 26, 2020 / Washington State implements a statewide mask requirement. Read the full requirement information here.
  • July 17, 2020 / Washington State prohibits social gatherings of 10 or more people and establishes a prohibition on all live entertainment (indoor and outdoor) statewide. Read the press release here.
  • August 21, 2020 / Washington State updates a variety of guidelines around museums, bowling, agritourism and outdoor recreation. Read the press release here.
  • September 16, 2020 / Washington State updates a variety of guidelines around weddings & funerals
  • September 21, 2020 / Washington State updates guidelines for Agritourism Businesses
  • October 6, 2020 / Washington State updates a variety of guidelines around restaurants, movie theaters, weddings, retail, sports and more
  • November 13, 2020 / Washington State recommends a 14-day quarantine for interstate and international travel and asks residents to stay close to home
  • November 15, 2020 / Washington State enacts new restrictions on social gatherings, restaurants, retail and more
  • January 5, 2021 / Washington State implements "Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery" establishing guidelines for reopening of all business sectors based on metrics established by the Department of Health.
  • February 1, 2021 / Thurston County moves into Phase 2 of "Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery" with updated guidance for restaurants and miscellaneous venues.
  • March 11, 2021 / Washington State announces Phase 3 of "Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery" moving both indoor and outdoor events and activities to 50% of venue capacity or 400 people maximum, effective March 22. Phase 3 also establishes guidance for spectators for both indoor and outdoor events.
  • March 19, 2021 / Washington State Governor Jay Inslee rescinds November travel advisory requiring a 14-day quarantine, defaulting to CDC guidance.
  • May 13, 2021 / Washington State announces statewide reopening date of June 30 and short-term statewide move to Phase 3.