Once ground zero, Washington State emerges after strong vaccine push
Washington state is where the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was found in this country. That was January 2020. By the end of June, 17 months later, Washington became one of the few states in which more than 50% of its residents were fully vaccinated against COVID. According to the Washington State Department of Health, 68.2% of people over the age of 16 years old had received their COVID vaccination by this time. Based on this compliance, Gov. Jay Inslee fully reopened the state’s economy and cultural centers on June 30.
For Washingtonians, restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters and other businesses have been allowed to resume full indoor occupancy levels, and physical distancing requirements have been lifted. While there will be fewer masking requirements, masks will still need to be worn in healthcare settings, long-term care, schools and correctional facilities.
Unvaccinated employees who work indoors will need to wear masks and businesses are being given the choice of whether to require masks for their customers, regardless of vaccination status. Large indoor events are restricted to 75% capacity unless vaccination verification is taking place.
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While many understood the need for the stay-at-home orders, the extended closures took its toll on the state’s businesses. The last three quarters of 2020 saw a 43% decrease in restaurant sales, a 57% decline in bar business and a 60% drop in lodging sales. As expected, business owners were ecstatic about the state reopening, but many announced they would have to remain at half capacity until more workers could be hired.
Despite these shortages, Washington state saw several new stores opening or planning to open within the past 12 months or so. Dollar General made its first foray into the state in April 2020 when it opened a store in Cathlamet. The discount chain has plans to open another six stores in the state before the end of the year.
Last June, Sprouts Farmers Market opened a new location in North Seattle, its fourth location in the state. The chain is best known for making healthy living accessible to shoppers by offering affordable, fresh, natural and organic products. Its unique grocery model features produce at the center of its stores, an expansive bulk foods section, and a vitamin department focused on overall wellness. Sprouts also offers a distinct assortment of healthier products with special attributes, such as plant-based, gluten-free, keto-friendly and grass-fed.
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Most recently, in June, Amazon Fresh Grocery opened its first full-sized store in Bellevue. Taking over a former Safeway location, the 25,000-sq.-ft. store features a mix of national and company-owned brands, prepared foods, produce and meats. Customers are given the option of using Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” cashierless checkout or choosing one of its traditional cashier stations. Amazon is reportedly opening another full-sized Fresh store in Seattle later this year. It will be located on the ground floor of an under-construction multifamily complex at 23rd Avenue and South Jackson Street.