Summary

King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci released a statement Thursday after Gov. Jay Inslee announced plans to reopen the state and relax most COVID-19 precautions by June 30.

Story

King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci released the following statement Thursday after Gov. Jay Inslee announced plans to reopen the state and relax most COVID-19 precautions by June 30 if Washington achieves a 70% vaccination rate:

“The Governor’s announcement provides hopeful news for the residents of King County and across Washington. I look forward to embracing the good things as we emerge from the depths of the pandemic: safe social gatherings, frequenting local businesses, community events. I also want to recognize that this sudden change will take some getting used to and we need to be kind to one another as we readjust to what the future brings.

“But even as we readjust, we still have a lot of work to do locally, nationally and globally to vaccinate more people. Getting vaccinated is essential. Not only does it protect you from getting the virus, but it prevents you from giving it, especially for someone who can’t get vaccinated or is already immunocompromised.

“Finally, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! We have done amazing work fighting back the pandemic for more than a year. Let’s keep up the good work so we not only see the state reopen on June 30 but stay open and healthy going forward.”