Spokane County Times

Gov. Jay Inslee’s newest COVID-19 restrictions for Washington state is drawing mixed reactions from leaders in Spokane.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-Spokane) is among the opponents of the restrictions which includes the closure of indoor dining at restaurants and bars, and in-store retail being limited to 25% capacity, according to KREM.

“We need leadership that encourages the hard-working men and women who keep our state and region moving,” Rogers said in statement, as reported by KREM. “Like I have said from the beginning of this pandemic, we need more localized solutions that recognize the regional differences that exist in our vast state and country. I will continue to advocate for locally driven strategies that keep Main Street open, encourage employment growth, and give families in Eastern Washington hope and opportunity.”

While Rogers worries that the restrictions will hurt local small businesses, Spokane City Council President Breann Beggs said the new guidelines are necessary.

“Unfortunately the only way we're going to heal our economy is to get a handle on the virus,” Beggs told KREM. “So we could just be slowly suffocating our businesses, or we could make a clean break, offer money to our businesses and employees, and come out the other side stronger than ever.”