The President and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA )in a letter to members warns that Washington is about to enter a new lockdown, set to take effect Monday, Nov. 16.  As the holiday season draws near Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings will be hardest hit, though enforcement is clearly not likely to happen.

WFIA’s Tammie Hetrick states that Governor Jay Inslee will announce on Sunday that new restrictions will need to put in place to stem the rising tide of COVID-19 cases. As of Nov. 14 Washington has seen 127,731 cases and 2519 deaths. Cases are spiking dramatically this month to levels matching last March.

Here are the new rules quoting the letter:

“1. All indoor social gatherings are prohibited. We are unsure how this will be enforced at this time.

2. Restaurants and bars are closed for indoor service. Outdoor service is limited to 5 people. To-Go Orders may continue.

3. There will be a limit of 25% occupancy for all retail - including grocery and convenience retailers. The capacity limit will not include employees.

4. All delis and salad bars will be To-Go. There will be no seating allowed for these areas in stores.

5. The Governor will also be updating guidance on mask restrictions, which will clearly indicate that stores and other customer facing businesses will have a choice to restrict all non-mask wearers in the store and provide other options for providing food and other essential products.

We realize the occupancy limits are extremely frustrating as we move into the busiest season of the year. WFIA asked to increase the capacity amount, but the Governor is following other states that have developed similar guidance. 1% of COVID-19 cases in Washington State occur at workplaces, with 0.06% occurring in grocery  and convenience stores. This shows that we have the right process in protecting both customers and employees. So, keep up the good work.”

Hetrick adds that the announcement is expected around 10:00 am on Sunday. The new rules are expected to last four weeks though extensions are possible.