Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Moving into Phase 2 this week was welcome news to the business owners, employees, schools and residents of Snohomish County.

The Snohomish Health District praised the easing of restrictions as being good for the economy, children’s education, and so many other social and health needs in the communities.

It also means that everyone must be diligent in following all precautions to minimize risk of exposure and transmission, the health district warned. This is particularly important with Super Bowl Sunday ahead. Here are some reminders from the health district for a safer game day:

• Cheering on the team from home? A virtual gathering with others is best and safest. Indoor gatherings of no more than five people outside the household are permissible, with a maximum of 15 people for outdoor gatherings. Both indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to two households.

• Going to a local restaurant to watch the game? Indoor dining is available at 25% capacity, with a max of six people per table and a limit of two households.

• Regardless of how you celebrate, face masks and physical distancing still apply when you’re around people you don’t live with.

• Now’s not the time to crowd around the TV for the big game. Spread out the fans.

• Keep the masks on when not eating or drinking.

• Speaking of eating, no double-dipping. Either bring your own food or have separate plates with one person dishing out. The goal is to limit the places where multiple people are touching the same surface and breathing the same air.

• Also wash hands frequently, especially before and after eating, with hand sanitizer as needed in between.

Enjoy the day but make smart play calls.

The Roadmap to Recovery is for a 2-week period, with the next data published on Feb. 12.

“We do not want to move backward, but that will happen if we’re not careful,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Snohomish Health District. “The region must continue to meet at least 3 of the 4 metrics to remain in Phase 2. It is incumbent upon all of us to make wise decisions for the sake of our local businesses and neighbors and to continue to drive down COVID-19 transmission in the county.”