Lincoln County moves to Phase 2

DAVENPORT – It’s not a complete re-opening, but it’s a start.

Lincoln County joined the rest of the state in moving to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s re-opening plan beginning Feb. 14. The phase includes the re-opening of restaurants at 25% capacity, the return of sports competitions and permission for limited indoor entertainment establishment re-openings.

Restrictions limiting outdoor or open air-dining to six people per table are still in place, and alcohol service/delivery still must end at 11 p.m.

Much to many Lincoln County students’ delight and coaches’ relief, sports competitions are permitted now. Fall sports, including football, volleyball, cross country and girl’s soccer began at most area schools last week.

Outdoor sports are permitted a maximum of 200 people at the venue, including athletes, coaches, officials and spectators. Indoor sports, like volleyball for the fall, are limited to maximum 25% capacity or 200 people, whichever is less (the prior is likely for local volleyball games).

Currently, athletes are mandated to wear masks during practice and competition, with the exception of cross country competitors being allowed to drop their face covering prior to a race.

The aforementioned “indoor entertainment establishments” includes indoor aquariums, theaters, arenas, concern halls, museums, bowling, trampoline facilities, cardrooms and event spaces. These are also limited to 25% capacity or 200 people, whichever is less.

“Outdoor entertainment establishments” include outdoor zoos, gardens, aquariums, theaters, stadiums, event spaces, arenas, concert venues and rodeos.

The governor’s re-opening plan also makes sure to note that while weddings are now permitted if they follow venue requirements, dancing is still prohibited, so local nuptials may get in trouble if state officials catch sounds of Usher’s “Yeah!” emitting from a wedding venue.

The state hasn’t given a timeline yet on when counties can move to a Phase 3, or given any indication of what such a phase would look like.