Gov. Inslee calls on travelers to quarantine 14 days

OLYMPIA — A day after Gov. Inslee told residents to have virtual Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations this year, he issued a travel advisory calling on travelers to quarantine 14 days.

The governor’s advisory also suggests only “essential” travel outside of the home.

All residents or visitors who travel out of the state should quarantine 14 days, he said, following the lead of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.

“COVID-19 cases have doubled in Washington over the past two weeks,” he said. “This puts our state in as dangerous a position today as we were in March. Limiting and reducing travel is one way to reduce further spread of the disease.”

His announcement this morning, Nov. 13, follows Thursday night’s plea to avoid in-person family holidays this year.

In addition to calling to quarantine travelers, the advisory recommends individuals limit all social interactions only to members of their immediate household.

The governor’s advisory allows for “essential travel” to work, school, health care and economic services, like buying groceries.

“ Washingtonians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries,” the advisory said. “Avoiding travel can reduce the risk of virus transmission and bringing the virus back to Washington.”

Travel for tourism or recreation are considered “non-essential,” under the advisory.

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Roger Harnack, Publisher

Roger Harnack is co-owner and publisher of Free Press Publishing. An award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher who grew up in Eastern Washington, he's one of only two Washington state journalists ever to receive the international Golden Quill for editorial/commentary writing. Roger is committed to preserving local media, and along with it, a local voice for Eastern Washington.

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