Statewide Indoor Mask Order Returns Monday In Washington

Seattle

WASHINGTON – A universal indoor mask mandate returns to Washington on Monday, requiring all individuals ages 5 and older to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Governor Jay Inslee announced the imminent return of formal masking requirements last Wednesday during the same press conference at which he unveiled a vaccine mandate for teachers, coaches and other school staff.

Washington’s changed masking order follows requirements already announced in several counties and a unanimous recommendation from all 35 health officials in the state. The mandate requires masking in places such as grocery stores, gyms, shopping malls, community centers, and movie theaters. State health officials also recommend masking outdoors in crowded areas – such as sporting events, concerts, and trade shows – where physical distancing is not an option.

“It is important to use and handle masks properly,” wrote the Washington State Department of Health. “A mask would fit snugly around your mouth and nose and shouldn’t have any holes or tears in the fabric. Fabric face coverings should be washed frequently, ideally after use and definitely daily. If you can’t wash, wash your hands after each use, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after putting them back on, and avoid touching your face. “

Some exceptions to the mask requirements for interiors are:

Children under five years. However, children between the ages of two and four can wear a mask under close adult supervision.
People with a medical or mental illness or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask.
Fully vaccinated workers who work alone or in an area inaccessible to the public.
Athletes who practice indoor sports and actively take part in competitions or training (it is still necessary to wear a mask on the sidelines and in team meetings).
Small private gatherings in closed rooms when everyone is vaccinated.
Children under two years of age should not wear face covering due to the risk of suffocation.

“The reintroduction of the mask requirement is necessary in addition to increasing vaccinations to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Washington,” officials said. “The health system is under immense strain, partly due to increased COVID-19 transmission, mainly among unvaccinated people. Between February 1 and August 3, 94.5% of COVID-19 cases hospitalized were not fully vaccinated. “

The heads of state hospitals recently warned that the number of COVID-19 patients had reached the highest level in the pandemic, with most facilities already at full capacity or nearing capacity. A report released Thursday showed that the prevalence of COVID-19 in Washington nearly quadrupled between early July and early August as the more contagious Delta variant became even more dominant.

Today Washington State Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH amended Ordinance 20-03, which requires face masks for everyone over five years in most indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status. Details in our press release: https://t.co/mqGrvIjrqP pic.twitter.com/8XarszZmfY
– WA Dept. of Health (@WADeptHealth) August 19, 2021