10-person limit applies to Open Public Meetings for ports in Phase 3 counties

As new cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Washington state, Gov. Inslee ordered last week that those counties who are currently in Phase 3 of the “Safe Start” reopening plan need to limit many types of gatherings to 10 people or less.

In clarification received from the Governor’s Office late last week, we learned that this 10-person gathering limit applies to Open Public Meetings as well. Those ports (and other local governments) located in counties currently in Phase 3 will need to limit meeting size to no more than 10 participants.

It is important to note that the waiver to the OPMA (as well as the PRA) is in effect until August 1, so ports can continue to utilize the virtual meeting option either through online or telephonic meetings.

We will continue to communicate any updated information or changes to our membership as we learn of them.