The state will begin by asking businesses to comply voluntarily, but penalties could be imposed if the noncompliance continues.
Inslee outlined three tiers to the reporting:
- Violators of the order will be notified that they need to comply
- Citations and suspension of licenses can be issued, including business licenses
- Law enforcement will pass these complaints along to the state attorney general's office
"Our goal is 100 percent voluntary compliance," Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. Ferguson emphasized that he will use enforcement powers if people intentionally violate the order.
Inslee asks people to use their best judgment before reporting, and to not call 911, instead directing citizens to use the non-emergency lines.
“These are local decisions,” Inslee emphasized. “We’re not going to tell law enforcement how to do their jobs.”
Inslee's Monday announcements came as crews began setting up a 150-bed field hospital for non-COVID 19 patients at CenturyLink Field Event Center.
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