Republican lawmakers introduce plan for Phase 3 & 4 of re-opening Washington

OLYMPIA -- Republican lawmakers announced they have created a plan to reopen businesses across the state as coronavirus cases continue to decline across Washington.

Many lawmakers released their plan citing frustration with Governor Jay Inslee that no plan has been made public to reopen businesses.

Senator Sharon Brown, from the Tri-Cities, was one of several lawmakers who came up with the plan to advance to Phase 3.

Here is what their plan would look like:

• All children in grades K-12 would immediately return to the classroom for in-person instruction.
  
• Hospitality businesses statewide, such as restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, museums, libraries and other entertainment venues, open to 50% capacity
• Bars and restaurants would stop serving alcohol and close at midnight
  
• Indoor weddings and indoor religious services would open to 50% capacity
  
• Professional services would open to 50% capacity
  

Republican lawmakers said after a county has operated at Phase 3 for three weeks with no significant spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations, all activities return to 100% capacity. Republicans said "As the rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations declines, the state must trust the people of Washington to demonstrate personal responsibility and do what is necessary to get children back in school and people back to work."