5.20 SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES

A. Social Distancing Measures.

1. Examples. Social distancing measures, other than isolation and quarantine, may include:

   1. Closing schools and large child care centers.

   2. Limiting social interaction at libraries, colleges and universities.

   3. Closing churches, theaters and other places where crowds gather.

   4. Suspending large gatherings (sports events, concerts).

   5. Suspending government functions not dedicated to pandemic response or critical continuity. Pub. Health - Seattle & King County, Pandemic Influenza Response Plan (June 1, 2006).

2. Implementation. Social distancing measures may be voluntary (recommended) or compulsory (ordered). The sources of authority could include:

   1. Authority of heads of political subdivisions to respond to emergencies under chapter 38.52 RCW. See supra § 2.42.

   2. Authority of local health officers to prevent the spread of disease under RCW 70.05.070. See supra § 3.42.B.

   3. Governor’s order following an emergency proclamation under chapters 43.06 and 38.52 RCW. See supra §2.32.B.