Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman has approved Clallam County’s request for a variance to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 under the state’s Safe Start plan for COVID-19 recovery beginning Monday, June 1, county health officials noted today.

“As we begin reopening, the lessons we have learned about how to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 will become even more important,” Clallam County Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry Unthank said. “We all must do our part to continue to protect our community by practicing safe physical distancing, staying home when we are sick, washing our hands frequently, and wearing cloth face coverings when physical distancing is not possible.

“We have accomplished great things together in this response and I know that we can continue to protect ourselves and our community as we move into this next phase.”

Phase 2 eligible businesses will be able to open on Monday, including:

• Hair and nail salons/barbers

• Restaurants and taverns (at 50 percent capacity)

• In-store retail (at 30 percent capacity)

• Indoor religious services (at 25 percent capacity, up to 50 people)

• Remaining manufacturing

• Remaining construction

• In-home/domestic services

• Pet grooming

• Professional services/office-based businesses (telework is still strongly encouraged)

• Real estate

• Gatherings with up to five people from outside one’s household per week

For businesses to reopen during Phase 2, they must follow their industry-specific COVID-19 safety guidance published by the Washington State Department of Health.

Businesses owners with additional questions about how to reopen safely can contact the Clallam County Department of Environmental Health at 360-417-2506.

Overnight camping will become allowable once the remainder of the state moves to Phase 2.