Businesses and Workers

We recognize the tremendous impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and related directives are having on local businesses, their employees and customers. This page is intended to provide support for businesses and workers through information and resources.  

Clark County in Phase 2 

Governor Inlsee announced modifications to Phase 2 guidance, effective July 30, 2020.  View the entire plan here and details in the Latest News & Updates section below. 

Safe Start Plan Chart Effective July 30 (select to enlarge)

Safe Start Phases Chart Effective July 30

Updated Safe Start Plan (select to open)

Safe Start Washington

Latest News & Updates


August 3, 2020
Governor Inslee announced updates to Phase 2 and Phase 3 Indoor Fitness and Training COVID-19 Reopening Requirements effective August 10, 2020. The update, available here, includes:

  • Clarification on when facial coverings are required in indoor fitness facilities
  • Changes to calculation of occupancy limits for large facilities
  • Allowance for fitness and sports training other than group fitness classes


July 31, 2020
Governor Inslee announces updates and clarifications to July 24 guidance.

  • Restaurants, Taverns, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries:  See updated guidance and related memo.
  • Overnight Group Summer Camps and Similar Activities:  See updated guidance  and related memo
  • View entire list of industry specific Reopening Guidance for Businesses & Workers here.

He also announced the extension (until September 1, 2020) of 25 proclamations in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. See the governor's proclamation page here.


July 29, 2020
Second round of funds to small businesses available soon: The Washington State Department of Commerce announces a doubling of funds available to very small businesses impacted by COVID-19 through the Working Washington Small Business emergency grant program. New funds are from the state’s $200 million emergency response fund approved by the Legislature in March. A summary and map of grant recipients is available on Commerce’s website. Five Battle Ground-area businesses received funds from the program.   

 

July 28, 2020
Governor releases memo regarding modifications to Safe Start Plan:  The memo serves to a) revise the maximum limits of individuals participating in gatherings, b) prohibit live entertainment in Phases 1 through 3 and all modified phases of the Safe Start Plan, and c) adjust various other provisions of the Safe Start Plan. View the memo here.


July 23, 2020 
Modifications to Safe Start Plan:  Governor Inslee extends and modifies Safe Start proclamation. See details here and a summary below. The changes encourage fewer, shorter and safer interaction.  

  • Restaurants: Beginning July 30 and until Phase 4, indoor dining is limited to members of the same household; alcohol service must end by 10 pm; vending game areas (pool tables, darts, video games, etc.) are closed. In addition, bars are closed for indoor seating beginning July 30. (In Phase 3, table size is reduced to 5 people and restaurant occupancy is reduced to 50% capacity.)  Read updated guidance for restaurants/taverns here.
  • Fitness Guidance: Only five individuals (not counting staff) are allowed for indoor fitness services. They can participate in group fitness classes or exercise on their own. (In Phase 3, occupancy reduced to 25% and classes limited to 10 people.)
  • Wedding and funerals (secular or non-secular): Beginning August 6 and in all phases, the maximum indoor occupancy is 20% capacity or up to 30 people, which is less, as long as physical distancing is maintained between households; only ceremonies are permitted (no receptions).
  • Face coverings: The order requiring face coverings now extends to all shared spaces (not just those open to the public). This includes condo and apartment hallways, hotel hallways, and shared spaces in university housing and long-term care facilities This is effective July 25. See the updated facial covering order here.
  • No indoor family entertainment/recreational centers (mini golf, bowling alleys, arcades, etc.) until Phase 4.
  • No indoor card rooms until Phase 4. Read updated guidance for card rooms here. 
  • In Phase 3, movie theaters occupancy limited to 25% capacity.

Governor Inslee also announced the extension of the eviction moratorium through October 15 See the proclamation here.


July 22, 2020
Thermometers Available: The Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) is offering free non-contact infrared thermometers for eligible businesses and other essential workplaces with a high degree of person-to-person interaction. Supply is limited. Interested businesses are required to submit a request though this survey link.


July 16, 2020
SBA resumes Payroll Protection Program (PPP): The program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020. The new deadline to apply for a PPP loan is August 8, 2020. Information on the program can be found here.


July 2, 2020
Businesses must Require Face Coverings: Governor Inslee and Secretary of Health Wiesman announce a statewide requirement for businesses to require face coverings of all employees and customers, effective July 7. 

June 15, 2020
Preparing for Phase 3 of Safe Start Plan
Each business or entity operating in Phase 3 of Safe Start Washington, must develop a written Safety Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19 that is at least as protective as the requirements from the Department of Labor & Industry found here. A business may fill out Washington’s Safety Plan template to fulfill the requirement, or may develop its own Safety Plan.


June 8, 2020
Clark County approved for Phase 2 of Safe Start plan: Businesses approved to reopen in Phase 2 are required follow industry-specific guidance issued by the Governor.  Businesses and industries eligible to reopen in Phase 2 include hair and nail salons, barbershops, real estate, pet grooming and new construction, among others. Retail stores can open for in-store purchases and restaurants can resume dine-in services with limitations on the number of diners.


June 3, 2020
Proactive Steps to Manage Inactive Private Water Systems & Building Plumbing
If your business location has been closed to the public or had had reduced staffing levels due to COVID-19 related orders, we recommend proactive steps to protect public and employee health by following state and federal guidelines for addressing water quality in plumbing systems.