The Spokane regional health district is not discussing the mask mandate as other counties are grappling with the Delta variant

July 27, 2021 10:57 am

Posted: Jul 27, 2021 10:57 AM

Updated: July 27, 2021 11:37 am

SPOKANE, Washington – Several counties in western Washington are urging people to return to masking, but the Spokane Regional Health District says it’s not on the table for Spokane just yet.

The health district says they are not discussing the implementation of a mask mandate.

This comes as at least nine Washington counties – King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, San Juan, and Grays Harbor – are battling a resurgence of COVID cases powered by the Delta variant.

RELATED: 9 counties in western WA now recommend using masks indoors

Even so, SRHD is closely monitoring hospital admissions numbers. If at any point the hospital network becomes overwhelmed with COVID patients, they must “take preventive measures”.

“Masks work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and should continue to be used by unvaccinated people and indoors where you are unsure whether people around you are vaccinated,” said Kelli Hawkins, Public Information Officer of the SRHD. “Masks, like the vaccines, protect others around you, slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants, and can prevent hospitalizations and deaths.”

Most importantly, says SRHD, the best way to fight the virus and return to normal life is the COVID-19 vaccine.

RELATED: Relying on the Delta Variation, King County Calls for Inner Masks