Inslee announces some residential construction may resume in Washington state

Breaking update:

Gov. Jay Inslee said Friday that some residential construction would be allowed to resume in Washington state.

Inslee said low-risk projects would be allowed to resume when workers can socially distance themselves from each other.

It's unclear when other industries will be reopened in Washington state.

Inslee also said the state was evaluating whether elective surgeries could resume.

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OLYMPIA -- Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to announce today the easing of restrictions on residential construction amid the statewide stay-home order.

Inslee is holding a press conference at 11:30 a.m. He'll be speaking alongside leaders in the building and construction industry.

His press conference comes after Inslee announced Tuesday that the state was moving toward a gradual reopening of residential construction, outdoor recreation and elective surgeries.

Any reopening of construction sites will come with strict health and safety requirements, including:

Inslee said the the state health officer believes the spread of COVID-19 is likely declining in Washington state, based on data on hospitalizations, confirmed cases and deaths, but he still urged caution.

Residential construction is among the long list of businesses considered non-essential and forced to close under the governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order.

He's facing growing unrest and opposition to the stay-home orders, including from the Snohomish County sheriff, Republican state lawmakers and county government officials in eastern Washington.