Coronavirus fears end public bill signings in Olympia

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee won’t be holding any more public bill signings, citing concerns about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The total number of deaths from COVID-19 in Washington is now at least 22, and health officials report at least 169 cases in the state.

In a message to lawmakers and legislative staff on Monday, Inslee’s legislative director, Drew Shirk, said the move was due “to the extraordinary circumstances to protect the public’s health from COVID-19.”

“This is one extra precaution we’re taking to maintain public health standards and minimize COVID-19 exposure in large, social settings,” he wrote.

Media who RSVP may attend the signings, as can the primary sponsor of the bill and the primary sponsor of the companion bill. Legislative members who RSVP may also bring a guest, as long as they RSVP as well. The public can still watch the bill signings live on TVW.

The 60-day legislative session ends Thursday, though bill signings will continue for the next few weeks.