OLYMPIA, WA – This time last year, this might have been a headline on the news satire website, “The Onion” but, it’s true. Washington Governor Jay Inslee has expanded the state’s ban on singing from religious and commercial performances to cover all indoor singing.
On December 10th, Inslee signed an extension to his previous vocal lockdown. Under the new law residents of Washington may not sing in their own home if a non-family member is present.
“Modifications to this order include prohibiting indoor singing with persons outside of your household, but permitting outdoor singing while wearing a face-covering in most circumstances, including religious and faith-based services, weddings, and funerals. The proclamation also expressly exempts recovery support groups from the new restrictions,” the Governor said in his executive order.
In Washington, the doors have been shut on indoor dining, gyms and fitness centers are closed, bowling centers are closed, movie theaters are closed, museums are closed and so are indoor sports of all kinds.
In the order, the Govenor announced that he reserves the right to call up the state’s National Guard to enforce the executive order and said violators of this order may be subject to criminal penalties pursuant to RCW 43.06.220(5), which codifies the Governor’s power to enforce his COVID-19 lockdown.