Washington state business owners now have a way to argue they’re ‘essential’ during COVID-19 outbreak

Starting Wednesday, there is a way for business owners who feel they were inappropriately left off list of “essential businesses” allowed to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic to appeal or seek more information.

The process begins by filling out a form that can be found at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d4c155fa930f4b848f95774d610c9708.

It is split into two categories, one being for clarification and the other being for inclusion.

The form asks for basic contact information, what sector the business operates in, a brief description of what the business is, and has a field for additional information to make the case to be added to the list.

The form was created in response to questions from both businesses and employees seeking clarification about the gray areas of Gov. Jay Inslee’s recent proclamation ordering people to stay at home for at least two weeks to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

As part of that order, there are only select essential businesses that can stay open.

The list is expansive, covering everything from health care workers to laundromats to IT services.

This definition classifies businesses which provide “essential critical infrastructure sectors” or are “critical to protect the health and well-being of all Washingtonians” as being necessary to stay open. That definition left many businesses unsure if they fall into one of the listed categories or can make that case.

In a statement emailed to The News Tribune from Penny Thomas, a spokesperson for the Department of Commerce, said, ”A formal process is now standing up at the Emergency Operations Center to handle requests from businesses who are unsure or don’t see themselves and their workers called out specifically in the Governor’s proclamation.”

There also was a commitment from Thomas the department will “ensure stability and capacity” to prevent a backlog of forms adding up from businesses.

The Governor’s office had originally provided the email address business@mil.wa.gov for people to reach out to, but after experiencing problems, it is no longer being recommended for people to send emails to that address.

That recommendation is despite the email still being listed at the bottom of the official document put out about which businesses are essential.

If people do attempt to email that address, it will redirect them to the portal containing initial information.

The form was made available for businesses to begin the appeal process at about 4 p.m. with 8 hours until the order took effect at midnight.

Where there is no ambiguity is all businesses centered solely around spiritual, recreational or social gatherings are banned.

Each individual business will now have to choose to make a case they are critical to the people of Washington rather than being something that, while being a sacrifice to lose, is able to be done without.

This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 5:25 PM with the headline "Washington state business owners now have a way to argue they’re ‘essential’ during COVID-19 outbreak."