SPOKANE – A day after Sen. Andy Billig said area residents would be "glad" about the expected loosening of coronavirus restrictions, Gov. Jay Inslee announced he is keeping the East region pinned down.

In addition, Eastern Washington businesses will now have to wait at least two more weeks for coronavirus relief following a gubernatorial press conference at 2:30 p.m. today, Jan. 28.

During the press conference, Gov. Inslee, a Bainbridge Island Democrat, said he will allow his so-called “Puget Sound” and “West” regions to move to “Phase 2” on Monday. Snohomish, King, Pierce, Th...