Inslee announces statewide social gathering limits

Earlier announcement calls for Statewide school closures

SEATTLE-Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Monday, March 16, an emergency proclamation that mandates the immediate two-week closure of all restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities, as well as additional limits on large gatherings. The new orders go into effect at midnight tonight and will be in place through March 31.

The announcement comes after the recent spike in numbers of COVID-19 cases in the state and across the country.

"If we are living a normal life, we are not doing our jobs as Washingtonians," Inslee said. "...