Evergreen Reporter

Gov. Jay Inslee instituted new restrictions for the next four weeks to help curb the spread of COVID-19, according to a news release.

"This spike puts us in a more dangerous a position as we were in March,” Inslee said during a press conference Sunday. “And it means, unfortunately, the time has come to reinstate restrictions on activities statewide to preserve the public’s well-being, and to save lives. These were very difficult decisions that have very real consequences to people’s livelihoods. I recognize that and don’t take those impacts lightly, but we must act now and act quickly to slow the spread of this disease.”

The restrictions took effect on Nov. 16 and will remain in effect until Dec. 14. Restaurant restrictions go into effect on Nov. 18.

The state is committing $50 million in short-term aid to help businesses and employees impacted by the restrictions. The state is providing $20 million for cash assistance to those that have been hit the hardest and the remaining funds will be used for recovery efforts via business loans.