WA Gov. Inslee issues emergency proclamation that limits large events

[paulmd]

Correct move. Should be done statewide and nationwide as well.

Sorry about your trade convention, I had a show I wanted to go to next month as well, but this is probably the single largest move that could be done to help limit the spread. I'd even say to reduce that to 50 people or so.

Kinda awkward to have to tell people they can't go to church but even that's not the best idea right now.

[loeg]

250 people is a pretty large church draw. Most will be smaller than that anyway with some people self-isolating.

[dantheman]

Mitigation should be done at the state level, with the federal government recommending best practices.

[troydavis]

Proclamation full text: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/20-07%20Coro...

Gist: "Gatherings of 250 people or more for social, spiritual and recreational activities including, but not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities"

… in the 3-county area including Seattle, initially through March 31.

[aaronbrethorst]

Violators of this of this order may be subject to criminal penalties pursuant to RCW 43.06.220(5).

Which, it turns out, is a gross misdemeanor, https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.06.220, whose punishment is up to 364 days in a county jail, up to a $5,000 fine, or both. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.92.020

[Tallasatree]

Seattle resident working downtown and living in the city. Not an alarmist but I am a realist on the situation. The situation is getting spooky and the press conference, though expected, was eerie to say the least. This is like living a movie.

[geephroh]

Seattle public schools just announced a two-week closure starting March 12 as well.

[daxfohl]

Same for Lake Washington School District. (Redmond/MSFT area). https://www.lwsd.org/

[daxfohl]

Make that six weeks.

[loeg]

"WA Gov. Inslee" is Washington Governor Inslee. Not part of TFA's title, but useful context if you don't recognize the last name or the URL.