The move coincides with a similar order previously issued by officials in King County, where Seattle is located, which stated that people are only allowed to meet with one another if there are less than 50 of them present. Restaurants are only allowed to provide takeout and delivery services from now on, with no dine-in patrons at all.
"These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the virus," a statement by Inslee reads. "I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges."
In King County, all businesses save for grocery stores, banks, gas stations and certain other retails options, will have to remain closed until at least March 31. This includes dance halls, gyms, fitness clubs and pretty much all operations that aren't considered vital for survival.
"We are at a critical moment in this crisis," an ominous statement from King County Executive Dow Constantine reads.
What this has meant for many area locals is a slew of cancelled weddings, no more church services, and having to eat at home for every meal. Consequently, many local businesses, especially the smaller ones, are having to close up shop, possibly for good.
Listen below as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, takes a closer look at the National Emergency declaration that was recently issued by President Donald Trump:
Medical martial law is rapidly sweeping the nation
What's quickly taking shape not just in Washington but all across the country is the prospect of wide-scale medical martial law. What's currently happening in Washington with involuntary isolation, quarantines, mass cancellations of major public events, and basically the complete shutdown of all commerce is more than likely going to spread to other areas in the coming days.
In New Rochelle, New York, for instance, a one-mile containment zone was recently established following the identification of multiple cases of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) at a local Jewish synagogue.
The state of Maryland has likewise imposed mass closures of restaurants and large gatherings, while at the same time expanding the number of people who are allowed to practice medicine in the state.
Maryland has joined Washington in banning all gatherings over 50 people, including both entertainment and religious gatherings. And Governor Larry Hogan has indicated that these impositions will be strictly enforced, meaning at gunpoint.
"We're not fooling around anymore," Hogan draconianly stated during a recent press conference.
"This is going to be much harder, take much longer, and be much worse than almost anyone is currently understanding," he added. "It is impossible to know how long this threat will continue. What I do know, we cannot afford to wait."
Back over in Washington, all K-12 schools have now been shuttered until at least April 24. In Seattle specifically, a stabilization fund has also been established that will supposedly help local small businesses and employees stay afloat while also deferring business taxing and halting residential evictions.
Speaking about the restrictions, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said they're "hard and impact the livelihoods and ways of life of our families. But it's the right thing to do for the long-term health, safety and vitality of our communities."
To keep up with the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), be sure to check out Pandemic.news.
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