How Lifting Mask Mandate Will Impact Washington Schools

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington will lift the statewide mask mandate for most indoor spaces starting Monday, March 21. That means masking requirements will be lifted at restaurants, grocery stores, bars, restaurants and gyms— but also at all of Washington's public schools.

'This is a big moment," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal at a press conference announcing the news Thursday. "It means we get a little bit more flexibility now to take that next step."

Just last week, Reykdal issued a statement arguing that Washington's schools were ready to lift masking requirements. Now, it seems that other state leaders are in agreement.

"The good news is we are approaching a place, fairly shortly, where we will not have to wear a mask generally in these conditions," Gov. Jay Inslee said. "We think this is both good for our health, and [the] education of our children, and the total reopening of our economy."

Reykdal promised Thursday that his office would begin offering new masking guidance to local school districts over the coming days. That means the new masking guidance is still probably under development, but there are a few changes we can predict. One, is that students and staff will still be allowed to wear masks in the classroom if they so choose.

"While folks will have the opportunity to wear masks if they choose, this takes the state mandate out of the way," Reykdal said.

Previously, has Reykdal also suggested that local health jurisdictions may be allowed to reimpose mask mandates if COVID-19 case counts climb again.

"Current laws empower local health officials to assess health and safety risks and determine local strategies," Reykdal said. "Given the varied vaccination rates and adherence to other mitigation strategies across the regions in our state, it is time to return decision-making to local health officials. In some cases, local health officials may require temporary returns to masking or other mitigation strategies if cases spike or if a new variant poses elevated risks."

Finally, though mask mandates are on the outs, other COVID-19 safety restrictions will remain, including quarantine and isolation protocols for students who have had close contact with infected patients.

"It's important that we keep that responsibility to each other, that we maintain that expectation to look after one another," Reykdal said. "That's what got us to be one of the safest states through this whole pandemic, and that's what'll carry us through."

While it may be a few days or even weeks before the state and school districts hammer out their new policies, in the meantime Reykdal asks that parents and students keep up the good work and tough out one last month in masks.

"Hang with us here until the 21st, please wear those face coverings, it is the law," Reykdal said.