Inslee: Those with mild COVID-19 symptoms should get tested

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Gov. Jay Inslee says the state is broadening its testing strategy and now encouraging people with mild symptoms to get tested for the coronavirus.

Previously, those with mild symptoms were encouraged to stay home, but Inslee said Thursday that testing supplies have increased to the point where testing can be expanded.

“If you think you’re sick, please get tested,” he said. He also said household members of those who think they may be sick or who came into contact with someone sick should also get tested.

Inslee said that increased testing was important as counties start to restart their economies under the state’s four-stage reopening plan.

As of Thursday, 27 of the state’s 39 counties have been approved to move into Phase 2, and seven have applied to move into Phase 3.

In Phase 2, restaurants and taverns can reopen at half capacity with limited table sizes, hair and nail salons and barbershops can resume business, and retail stores can reopen for in-store purchases at 30% capacity. It also allows additional outdoor recreation and gatherings with no more than five people outside of a person’s household.

Phase 3 expands group gatherings to 50 or less, including sports activities, and allows restaurants to increase capacity to 75%. Gyms and movie theaters can also reopen at half capacity during this phase.

To date, more than 22,700 people in Washington have tested positive for the coronavirus, and at least 1,138 have died.

The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most patients, and the vast majority recover. But it is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and death in some patients, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.