Inslee gives guidance for funerals, real estate, tribes

In a trio of letters written Friday and Saturday, Gov. Jay Inslee has offered additional guidance for what his stay-at-home order means for funeral services, real estate and tribes.

Funeral services can move forward, he wrote, given that they’re only attended by immediate family members of the deceased, and that social distancing guidelines are followed. Inslee also clarified that his proclamation doesn’t prohibit embalming.

Real estate and mortgage lending are considered essential activities, but Inslee gave some restrictions. He’s prohibiting in-person meetings with customers, except to view a property or sign the necessary documents. Even then, property viewings, inspections, appraisals and final walk-throughs are to be arranged by appointment, and no more than two people can be on site at any one time — with social distancing in mind. Open houses are off limits. Otherwise, Inslee wrote, all new real estate listings will have to be facilitated remotely.

Addressing the tribes, Inslee clarified that his emergency proclamation doesn’t apply to conduct on tribal lands. That applies to conduct of both residents and visitors.

“Tribal governments, as sovereign nations, are making their own decisions in response to the current COVID-19 emergency,” he wrote.