Today, Governor Inslee announced new restrictions on social gatherings and other activities for the next four weeks. Yesterday, WSDA leadership was made aware of these restrictions.

WSDA has received direct confirmation from the Governor’s Office that the restrictions announced today do NOT place any new limits on dental care or health care delivery more broadly.

Over the last several weeks, WSDA leadership has been actively involved in discussions with the Governor’s Office, Department of Health, and other health care organizations related to updates to Proclamation 20-24.1 Reducing Restrictions on, and Safe Expansion of, Non-Urgent Medical and Dental Procedures. Discussions related to updating this proclamation are ongoing and it’s unknown when an updated proclamation will take effect.

Based upon conversations to date, delivery of preventive care and care that, if delayed, would result in patient harm will continue to be permitted and strongly encouraged in the updated proclamation. WSDA, and many other health care organizations, will continue to advocate for the continuation of health care delivery consistent with what is currently allowed under Proclamation 20.24.

We will continue to share timely COVID related updates as the situation develops in the coming weeks.