OLYMPIA, Wash. — Despite data showing COVID-19 cases are declining in the state, Washingtonians should not expect to return to “business as usual” anytime soon.

Governor Jay Inslee held a briefing Tuesday, April 21, regarding the state’s response to the pandemic.

He says Washington will not be able to lift many of the stay-at-home restrictions implemented to stop the spread of the virus by May 4, which is the date his Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is currently set to expire.

He says the return to public life will take a series of steps and that until several markers are met, including adequate testing and a vaccine, preventing an increase in cases is still the state’s priority.