All counties in Washington are preparing to move to Phase 3. Here's what's allowed

Washington is preparing to reopen more fully in a matter of days, with a return to having spectators at sports games and higher capacity inside restaurants.

Every county in the state will move to Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan beginning on March 22. That means many indoor places — such as restaurants, gyms and movie theaters — will be able to up their capacities from 25% to 50%.  And up to 9,000 fans will be able to go to T-Mobile Park on April 1 to see the Mariners play.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the change earlier this month, commending the state for its progress in slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

“Because of the progress we’ve made by decreasing our case rates and hospitalizations, as well as our tremendous efforts to get more people vaccinated, our reopening plan is once again based on counties, not regions,” Inslee said during a press conference Thursday. “We are excited to take this step and we will keep evaluating our progress, and the impacts of these changes, to determine how and when we reopen further.”

The state is looking at a number of metrics to determine whether counties will stay in Phase 3.

For larger counties with more than 50,000 people, they need to:

— Maintain a 14-day average of new COVID-19 cases at or below 200 per 100,000

— Have a seven-day average of new hospitalizations at five or fewer per 100,000

For smaller counties with fewer than 50,000 people, they need to:

— Maintain a 14-day average of new COVID-19 cases at 30 or fewer

— Have a seven-day average of new hospitalizations at three or fewer

All counties will be moved back a phase if statewide ICU capacity is above 90%.

Over the past several months, case rates across the state dropped significantly, as have hospitalizations and deaths. But in recent weeks, cases have flattened across the state.

As of March 4, the most recent date the Department of Health has complete data for, the state was seeing an average of about 670 new cases per day over the previous seven days. That is far lower than in early January, when the state was seeing an average of more than 3,000 new cases per day, but it is still more than the state's plateau after both the first and second waves.

Vaccinations have been ramping up in recent weeks. About 20.7% of people have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 12% are fully vaccinated. But until more people receive the shot, health officials are warning residents shouldn't let their guards down yet.

With the spread of new variants in the community, people should continue to wear masks, socially distance and wash their hands often — even as the state begins to reopen more.

All counties will be in the third phase starting March 22 and until at least April 12, when the state will take another look at the data.

So, what will change when the state moves to Phase 3? Here's what we know so far.

Spectator events at outdoor facilities

Large outdoor venues with individual designated seating, controlled entrances and the ability to accommodate more than 400 people at 25% capacity can open at 25% capacity, or with 9,000 spectators maximum, whichever is lower.

"The change affects both professional and high school sports, as well as motorsports, rodeos, and other outdoor spectator events," according to a blog post from the governor's office.

For smaller outdoor activities, there can be up to to 400 people attending, with a maximum capacity of 50%.

Groups of people need to be able to socially distance and are required to wear masks.

Events at indoor facilities 

Indoor facilities can have up to 400 people, as long as that is not more than 50% of their capacity. There must be room for social distancing and everyone must wear masks.

This applies to other events, such as high school graduation ceremonies and concerts.

Restaurants and bars

Restaurants can up capacity from 25% to 50% for indoor dining. The maximum table size can increase to 10 people and alcohol service is allowed until midnight, later than in Phase 2.

Gyms and fitness centers

Gyms and fitness centers can up capacity from 25% to 50%.

Most other indoor establishments

Most indoor establishments can increase capacity from 25% to 50%, including movie theaters and other venues. Occupancy can't exceed 400 in most places.