As one might deduce from the subject line of this memo, Governor Jay Inslee announced today that "consistent with existing guidance, indoor [wedding and funeral] ceremonies are prohibited in Phase 1" of Washington state's SafeStart plan. The only exceptions are weddings or funerals scheduled before July 28 that will take place before August 10. Below is the full guidance from his memo today (a link to the full document is below):

1. Effective August 10, 2020, the following changes to the Governor’s Memorandum on Phase 1, 2, and 3 Religious Weddings and Funerals will apply in all phases regardless of venue:
2. a. Indoor occupancy is limited to 20 percent or 30 people, whichever is less, if and only if six feet of physical distancing between households can be achieved. Outdoor ceremonies are limited to 30 people, and at least six feet of physical distancing between households is required.
3. b. Consistent with existing guidance, indoor ceremonies are prohibited in Phase 1.
4. c. Only ceremonies are permitted, and ceremonies must follow all other provisions of the “Religious and Faith-based Organization COVID-19 Requirements.”
5. d. Receptions are prohibited.
6. The August 10, 2020, effective date of this section (Secular and Religious Weddings and Funerals) applies only if the event was planned before the date of this memorandum. Any events planned after the date of this memorandum must comply with the above rules starting July 30, 2020. 

While disappointing, this guidance is certainly more coherent. As one priest who inquired about the earlier guidance said, "why could we have an indoor wedding with 30 people but not an indoor baptism with many fewer people?"

If you do have a wedding or funeral planned between now and August 10 (that was scheduled prior to today), please let me know so that I can assist in regard to any questions that might be raised. It seems likely that funeral homes and cemeteries will continue to be allowed to conduct indoor funeral services, so be sure to continue to work cooperatively with them as we do our best to navigate these turbulent coronavirus waters.

Please note, too, that according to a news release on the governor's website, "Inslee today also extended the pause indefinitely on counties moving ahead in the Safe Start Washington plan." This is likely to make planning more difficult for our fall programs, particularly in Benton and Yakima Counties.

Email is the best way to contact me: [email protected]. Don't hesitate to write if you have any questions or concerns.

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 Link to Gov. Inslee's Proclamation of July 28, 2020.