Thread by @GovInslee

From the beginning, our priority has been protecting the health and safety of Washingtonians.

We’ve been successful because Washingtonians have stepped up, stayed home and sacrificed for one another to defeat this virus.

I’m extremely proud of that effort. 1/7

Washington will not allow the infection rate to go back up by removing protective measures before it’s safe to do so.

We will not put our people’s lives at risk. 2/7

This crisis has required tremendous sacrifice. It has also highlighted the importance of our social safety net.

Last week, @ESDwaWorks paid more than $125 million to 250,000 Washingtonians.

That's the most we’ve ever paid out in a 7 day period. 3/7

However, we know there are many who have not yet received the benefits they need. We’ve received more than half a million applications since mid-March.

@ESDCommish and I are focusing our resources on expanding ESD capacity to make sure families get their benefits. Fast. 4/7

Our long terms plans to restart our economy are in the works.

Earlier this week, CA, OR and WA announced the Western States Pact.

We are in this together and it will take all of us to get out of this financial and public health crisis.

Expect more on this soon. 5/7

But before we can begin to reopen, we need 2 things to be true.

1⃣ The infection rate continues to decrease
2⃣ Our testing and contact tracing capacity increases dramatically

Until we have both, we must continue physical distancing. 6/7

We are in better shape than other states because you, Washingtonians, have stepped up to protect one another. I am so proud of our efforts.

Thanks for staying home. Thanks for staying healthy.

We’re going to beat this thing. 7/7