Inslee puts pause on phase 4

As new coronavirus cases continue to rise throughout the state, Inslee has put a pause on counties moving to Phase 4, which would mean no restrictions.

Eight counties were eligible to move from Phase 3 to Phase 4 before the pause. State health officials confirmed 549 new COVID-19 cases in Washington on Saturday, including six additional deaths. The update brings the state's totals to 31,404 cases and 1,310 deaths.

Higher Education

On Wednesday, the governor was joined by presidents of Washington colleges and universities to unveil guidance for reopening in-person instruction at higher education institutions in the fall.

Included in the health guidance are requirements already in place across much of the state. These include masks, limits on class size, symptom monitoring, personal protective equipment availability and approval from local health districts. These requirements are in addition, not a substitute for, health requirements already in place.

Inslee Joins coalition requesting broadband

In case you missed it: Gov. Jay Inslee joined a bipartisan coalition of governors Thursday to send a letter to the president and congressional leadership requesting federal investments to ensure internet access for every American. Broadband is an essential element to COVID-19 recovery, especially in rural communities across our state and nation.

"This investment will unleash economic potential, promote stable job growth that's resilient in times like these, and ensure all businesses and families can participate in the digital economy and give states and communities the opportunities to capitalize on smart infrastructure deployment," Inslee said.