Okanogan County approved for "Phase 2"

Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that five new regions have met the metric requirements to progress to Phase 2 of his rebranded, 3rd shutdown. Okanogan County is now included.

In fact, the only region in the state that doesn't qualify for Phase 2 is the south central region which includes Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas and Walla Walla counties. I'm sure that everyone living there is really loving that. /sarc

Additionally, the governor announced Thursday evening that the five regions progressing will be able to do so starting Sunday, Feb. 14, rather than Monday the 15th. Something about the 14th being an important revenue-making holiday for restaurants. But all we hear is boos and hisses from restaurants in Kittitas county.

Let's hope that businesses now trying to expand their operations a bit with this, don't experience whiplash in a short 2 or 4 weeks because the chosen metrics for this plan turn to doom again.