Updated March 26, 2020 

The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile scenic byway that crosses through many regions of Washington State including areas with patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The safety of visitors and local residents is our highest priority. Please educate yourself with the latest information before finalizing your travel planning. 

Travelers and local residents are asked to observe public universal health recommendations wherever they are however. 

1. Washing your hands regularly
2. Refrain from touching your face
3. Cough and/or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
4. Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly
5. If you're sick, don't take the trip

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines

Washington State Impact & Response

• In Washington State, there are currently 4,896 COVID-19 infections and 195 people have died from the virus, most located in King County.
• Emergency declarations have been issued by Governor Jay Inslee and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan allowing municipalities to mobilize resources quickly to contain COVID-19 spread.
• Governor Jay Inslee said: “Washingtonians can be assured we’ve taken this threat seriously and have been working in collaboration with our health care partners to develop plans and procedures to prepare for what could likely become a world-wide pandemic.”
• On March 16 Governor Jay Inslee signed a statewide emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities (through March 31). The order also prohibits statewide gatherings with over 50 participants; under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously-announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met.   
• On March 21 the U.S. temporarily closed its common borders with Canada and Mexico for non-essential travel. Non-essential travelers will be turned back at both borders.
  • Washington-British Columbia border crossing at Blaine/Surrey
• The U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control have issued advisories for travel to foreign countries with sizable COVID-19 outbreaks:
  • The U.S. Department of State: Level 4 Travel Advisory to all U.S. citizens on March 19: Do not travel outside the U.S.
• On March 23 Governor Inslee issued "Stay Home, Stay Safe" proclamation requiring all non-essential businesses to close for two weeks in effort to decrease the spread of COVID-19

Important Information for Travelers

• Washington Tourism Alliance travel advisory
• Visit Seattle travel advisory
• The U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control have issued advisories for travel to foreign countries with sizeable COVID-19 outbreaks:
  • The U.S. Department of State
  • Centers for Disease Control Travel Notices
• Travelers arriving to the U.S. from China are required to be monitored for 14 days
• The CDC operates public health entry screening/quarantines at the 13 U.S. airports and border crossings in El Paso and San Diego. Airport screening checkpoints for Chinese inbound flights include Seattle-Tacoma (SEA); New York (JFK); Los Angeles (LAX); San Francisco (SFO); Chicago (ORD); and Atlanta (ATL); Anchorage (ANC); Boston (BOS); Dallas (DFW); Detroit (DTW); Minneapolis (MSP); Newark (EWR); Washington Dulles (IAD); Philadelphia (PHL); and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).
• Airlines have suspended flights between China and the U.S., and growing numbers of flights to and from South Korea have been suspended.
• Check the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport travel advisory for the latest information.
• The airport has installed additional hand sanitizers and dispenser stations and regular airport cleanings are using hospital-grade disinfectants. Janitorial contractors have been trained in bio-hazard cleaning in case it’s needed. Cleaning protocols for employee shuttle buses, buses serving the rental car facility, and bigger transport buses that shuttle passengers to and from planes have been stepped up and improved.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has consistently advised the public practice every-day preventative measures to help stop the spread of germs, as typical in the current flu and respiratory disease season. 

General COVID-19 Information

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control (CDD)
• Print Resources – handouts and posters
• Educational videos
• @CDCgov on Twitter