Ever since COVID-19 reached U.S. shores, Seattle in particular has seemed to be the epicenter of the crisis here, with the first reported deaths in the country and a rising number of cases. It has affected daily life in a major way, especially since Washington Gov. Jay Inslee mandated that all bars and restaurants in the state must close their dining rooms for at least two weeks. Here, diners can find the most up-to-date news and analysis regarding how the novel coronavirus is affecting the food world. (For guidelines on how to stop the spread of the coronavirus, check out the CDC website and the official King County Public Health website.)
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How Coronavirus Has Impacted the Seattle Food World
From restaurant closures to safety concerns, what diners need to know
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August 25, 2021
A Timeline of Seattle’s Restaurant Restrictions During the Pandemic
Washington recently reinstated a general mask mandate for indoor settings that applies to everyone, whether fully vaccinated or not
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May 13, 2021
Washington State Plans to Fully Reopen Restaurants on June 30
Gov. Jay Inslee says lifting the vast majority of business restrictions could happen even sooner, if the state reaches a 70 percent vaccination rate
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January 28, 2021
Seattle Restaurants Can Reopen for Indoor Dining at 25 Percent Capacity on Monday
Gov. Jay Inslee relaxed the requirements to enter phase two of his reopening plan
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January 26, 2021
Taste Washington Will Focus on Takeout and Socially Distanced Activities for 2021
The big March food and wine event will continue in a modified form after last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic
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January 25, 2021
Seattle City Council Passes Hazard Pay Bill for Local Grocery Store Workers
The $4 per hour pay bump applies to those employed by larger stores and chains
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January 22, 2021
Seattle Still Won’t Be Reopening Dining Rooms (Besides ‘Open Air’ Exceptions)
No region in Washington has advanced to phase two of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan
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January 21, 2021
State Senators Introduce Bill That Would Reopen Restaurants at 25 Percent Capacity Right Away
The bill would put all of Washington into "phase two" without meeting current guidelines, overriding a key part of Gov. Jay Inlsee’s reopening plan for businesses
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January 15, 2021
How Washington’s New ‘Outdoor’ Dining Rules Actually Allow for Some Indoor Service Right Now
You should probably bring a coat
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January 7, 2021
Belltown Bar Neon Boots Closes with Dolly Parton-Themed Sendoff Ceremony
It’s among the latest restaurant and bar closures during the COVID-19 pandemic
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December 17, 2020
Washington Service Workers Pen Open Letter to Inslee in Support of Indoor Dining Restrictions
It also calls for fixing the unemployment system and providing more economic relief to restaurant employees
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December 16, 2020
Seattle Extends Eviction Moratorium for Small Businesses Through March
The order also re-ups measures such as temporary loading zones for restaurants
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December 14, 2020
There Have Been Over 1,000 COVID-Related Complaints Directed at King County Restaurants in 2020
But only two restaurants have been shut down for violations
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December 10, 2020
Nearly 20 Percent of Seattle Restaurants Closed Permanently During First Six Months of Pandemic, Survey Says
Seattle has been the hardest hit area in the state
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December 9, 2020
A Running List of Restaurants Temporarily Closed During Current Restrictions
Some places in Seattle are taking a pause
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November 30, 2020
How Might Washington’s New COVID Exposure Notification App Impact Local Restaurants?
It’s a complement to contact tracing that aims to protect privacy without revealing personal info or location of users
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November 19, 2020
Gov. Jay Inslee Caps Third-Party Delivery App Fees Statewide
Seattle already has a rule in effect, but Inslee announced that a 15 percent cap on fees to restaurants from apps like GrubHub will apply across Washington
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November 17, 2020
So, Will Seattle Restaurants and Bars Start Giving Away Toilet Paper Again?
Probably not, but pantries inside restaurants may be here to stay
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November 12, 2020
Inslee Didn’t Announce New COVID Restrictions in Washington, But Hasn’t Ruled Them Out
The governor addressed the alarming spike of cases across the state in a speech Thursday night, urging Washingtonians to avoid holiday gatherings
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November 11, 2020
Capitol Hill Drinks Destination Canon Will Close After November 25, Until at Least Spring
To-go cocktail sales just weren’t cutting it
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November 10, 2020
Will Seattle Reinstitute Dining Restrictions Soon?
Statements from Washington state’s health officials, along with a recent COVID-19 spike, seem to signal that a rollback is on the way if things don’t improve quickly
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November 5, 2020
Some Seattle Restaurants Are Choosing to Hibernate for Winter as COVID-19 Cases Rise
Establishments in heavier tourist pockets around the city have made the call to try to wait the pandemic out
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November 2, 2020
After Closing in March, Belltown Farm-to-Table Restaurant Local 360 Eyes Comeback
The timing for reopening is still unclear, though
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October 29, 2020
As COVID Cases Continue to Rise, Restaurant Promotions That Include Dine-in Discounts Walk a Fine Line
Efforts in Pierce County, Seattle, and Bellevue want to encourage more support for local businesses, but public health concerns persist
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October 13, 2020
Kent Restaurants Receive Tents and Heaters from City in Effort to Protect Outdoor Seating
But the future of al fresco dining in Seattle during the winter is unclear
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October 9, 2020
Anticipated Downtown Food Hall China Live Delayed Until 2022
The project will make adjustments for more social distancing, but is still committed to the Amazon campus