Restaurants must continue to prohibit indoor dining and various other forms of indoor entertainment are prohibited through January 4 under extended COVID pandemic safety protocols announced by Governor Jay Inslee.

The order includes continuation of the 25% occupancy limit for retailers, a limit Washington Retail has urged be gradually relaxed as retailers have promoted universal wearing of face coverings and other safety protocols during the pandemic. It also keeps closed gyms, bowling alleys, movie theaters and museums through January 4.

Inslee has announced several grant funds to help some businesses in need of financial aid but has acknowledged that more funds are necessary to help more needy businesses. He has urged Congressional approval of additional stimulus funds and has said he and the state Legislature have discussed how much additional financial aid the state could provide. He has not yet announced further details regarding financial aid.

Meanwhile, incoming Senator Minority Leader John Braun has said he will introduce a bill in 2021 to include the Legislature with authority to assist the Governor in addressing responses to the pandemic. The next Legislative session, which will be conducted remotely, is scheduled to begin on January 11.