Study: Washington among the top states when it comes to COVID-19 restrictions

Despite reopening most businesses in the state to 50% capacity, Washington was the fourth-strictest state when it came to COVID-19 restrictions, according to a new WalletHub study.

Washington has consistently been one of the slower states to reopen throughout the entire pandemic, at times sending counties and regions back in its phased approach and other times completely freezing the state's move forward through phases. But the state used to be the less strict among its peers. According to the study, Washington was the eighth-strictest state last month.

The study weighed numerous restrictions, including:

• Mask requirements, of which Washington was the 18th least strictest state
• State guidance on customer health checks at restaurants, of which Washington was the 19th least strictest state
• Large gatherings, of which Washington was the 39th least strictest state
• Reopening of non essential businesses, of which Washington was the 27th least strictest state
• Reopening of restaurants and bars, of which Washington was the 47th strictest state

But while Washington has crawled toward a reopening, while other states have sprinted, another WalletHub study released earlier this week said Washington's economy was the least hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The study also connected reopening to recent spikes in COVID-19 cases, a trend nationally and locally. However, one analyst said this won't be a deal breaker when it comes to reopening.

“The recent spike in COVID-19 cases will not impact reopening. People are impatient for restrictions to be over and are not willing to delay reopening to wait for a decline in new cases,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Consider states like Texas and Iowa, where mask mandates and other restrictions were lifted while only a small portion of the population was vaccinated. Even though COVID-19 cases are increasing in those states, it's unlikely we'll see significant restrictions return.”

Cases have been ticking upward in Washington, health officials warn. And while deaths are falling — largely attributed to the success of vaccines among older age groups — hospitalizations have started to rise as well.

The problem is, in Washington they're starting to rise faster than vaccinations.

"Although most of our oldest adults have been vaccinated, not everyone is vaccinated," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, of Public Health — Seattle & King County, during a news briefing last week. "And when transmission increases in the community, the virus can still find its way to those who are most vulnerable and unprotected."

Keep scrolling to see the top five strictest states as the country continues to reopen.

New York

New York was ranked the fifth state with the most COVID-19 restrictions.

Washington

Washington was ranked the fourth state with the most COVID-19 restrictions.

Virginia

Virginia was ranked the third state with the most COVID-19 restrictions.

Delaware

Delaware was ranked the second state with the most COVID-19 restrictions.

Vermont

Vermont was ranked the first state with the most COVID-19 restrictions.