Governor, state attorney general and patrol chief say failure could lead to arrest
OLYMPIA - Gov. Jay Inslee called on residents to tattle on friends, neighbors and businesses that fail to comply with his order to stay home during the state's coronavirus outbreak.
"If we're going to beat it, all of has have to be engaged," he said. "Unfortunately, we have thousands of calls coming in ... some individuals and some businesses are not complying."
The order generally requires so-call "non-essential" businesses to shut down and residents to remain at home.
If tattling doesn't work, the governor, state Attorney General Robert "Bob" Ferguson and Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said they would take action.
"Our goal is 100% compliance," Ferguson said. "Lives literally depend on it."
Batiste said the state patrol could issue citations and even arrest people who do not comply with orders to remain home, refrain from gathering or refuse to close businesses.
"That's the last thing we want to do. Please do the right thing," he said. "What's the right thing? Stay at home, stay healthy and comply."
Gov. Inslee said public officials would work on educating the public before taking action.
He accused those who do not listen of putting others at risk.
Health care businesses, media companies, grocery stores and restaurants, among other businesses are considered essential by the governor.
President Donald Trump added firearms dealers as "essential" businesses nationwide during an advisory he issued Sunday.
Residents are prohibited from being out in public without necessity. Fishing, boating, gathering for parties or political rallies or protests are all considered illegal under Inslee's administration. And recreational facilities, schools, day cares, bars and dine-in restaurant facilities have mostly been closed.
Inslee said residents can log onto http://www.coronavirus.wa.gov to file a complaint.
Residents should not call 911, he said.
Once a complaint is received, local authorities will be asked to investigate, he said. Citations, suspensions of permits and business licenses could follow.
If that doesn't gain compliance, the governor said, complaints will be forwarded to the State Attorney General's Office for possible prosecution."
"But taking people to court is the very last thing that will be considered," Inslee said.
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, columnist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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