Gov. Jay Inslee issued an executive order yesterday directing all residents to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
The “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, which is similar to orders in other states, will ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes, and close all businesses except those deemed essential unless employees can work from home.
The full list of sectors and workers deemed essential is available here.
Major categories include:
- Health care/public health
- Emergency Services
- Food and Agriculture
- Energy
- Water and Wastewater
- Transportation and Logistics
- Communications and Information Technology
- Other Community-Based Government Operations and Essential Functions
- Critical Manufacturing
- Hazardous Materials
- Financial Services
- Chemical
- Defense Industrial Base
This is an unprecedented moment in our history, and one that has already caused significant damage to our state and national economies. Yesterday’s order will no doubt cause further impacts to Washington employers.
For now, if you’re wondering what it means for your business, you can start by reviewing the list of essential sectors and workers outlined by the governor.
If your business is not listed, or you’re unclear whether it is considered essential, please email this address: business@mil.wa.gov.
GSI staff members are reviewing the governor’s order and will share additional details soon. For more resources and help, you can also visit our resource page.
As we continue on this journey GSI is focused on ensuring the business community is an active and informed stakeholder in our community response to COVID-19. We are focusing our people, resources, and time on leading the business recovery response for the region. Our effort is a public-private partnership to collect and disseminate information to the business community on available resources, relief measures, and individual assistance. We are working diligently to address concerns, ensure consistent communication and resources are available and that we work together while we navigate uncharted waters for our community.
As we close, I wanted to provide you with some resources that may help you and your organization:
- COVID-19 Resources
- Business Impact Survey
- Join us virtually for these free events:
- BizStreet: COVID-19 In the Workplace – Employer Law Q&A – Wednesday, March 26 at Noon. Register Here. Employment law issues related to COVID-19
- BizStreet: Building and Sustaining Trust – Wednesday, April 1 at 8:00 am. Register Here.
- Economic Update – with Steve Scranton, Friday, April 9, 9:00 a.m. Register Here.
This remains a challenging time and fluid environment. Thank you for your support of GSI. We’re all in this together, and we will get through it together.
Sincerely,
GSI Team
