Washington Vaccine And Mask Mandates: See Who's Requiring Them

WASHINGTON — The highly infectious delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading throughout the U.S. and has gained a strong foothold in Washington, spurring a surge in new cases and hospitalizations. In response, many companies are issuing new mask policies for staff or customers.

The majority of Washingtonians should be wearing masks while indoors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week. Of the Evergreen State's 39 counties, 36 have substantial or high rates of COVID-19 spread.

However, a statewide mask mandate is unlikely anytime soon. Instead of a legally-binding mandate, last week Gov. Jay Inslee held a news conference to simply ask the public to use their best judgement, and wear masks in indoor public spaces.

"We are recommending, statewide, that people consider wearing a mask regardless of their vaccination status," Inslee said. "This is only a recommendation, it is not a legal requirement."

The governor said that recommendation is likely to remain in place until the vaccination rate picks up.

"I know it's frustrating for people to even have to think about [masking], but that's the situation we are in, and the more people who get vaccinated, the less we'll have to think about this," Inslee said.

While the state is not implementing a mandate, its COVID-19 regulations do allow individual counties to institute their own, though so far no county has taken the state up on that offer. Businesses are also free to require customers and employees to wear masks if they so choose.

Patch is tracking where Washingtonians will need to wear a mask and where they'll need a vaccine to work. Check out the list below and tell us in the comments if you know of other places requiring either masks or vaccines.

Here are the latest mandates announced in Washington:

Washington Schools

All students and employees in Washington schools will need to wear masks while on campus, regardless of vaccination status. State health leaders say the concession is necessary to protect students under 12, who are not eligible for vaccination.

"Importantly, this is a legal requirement that all districts will have to follow," Inslee said.

PCC Community Markets

Following advice from the King County and Snohomish Health Departments, PCC announced late last month that all 15 of the co-op's locations would request that customers wear masks. All PCC staff are required to wear masks as well, regardless of vaccination status.

Walmart

Employees at stores and facilities in areas with substantial or high rates of spread will be required to wear masks while working indoors. The company is also strongly urging all employees to get vaccinated against the virus as soon as possible.

Costco

Costco says it is closely watching the changing public health guidance and that its Washington locations will follow the face mask recommendations in their local jurisdiction.

McDonald's

The fast food giant has mandated both employees and customers wear masks while inside at their restaurants, if they're in an area with substantial or high rates of COVID-19 spread.

Home Depot

All Home Depot employees must wear masks while working, the company announced this week. Customers will be asked to wear masks, and complimentary masks will be available at the door for shoppers.

REI

Starting Monday, REI began strongly recommending that shoppers wear face masks in CDC-designated designated “substantial” or “high” transmission areas — including Puget Sound. All REI employees are also required to wear face coverings. The company says signs will be posted at each REI location informing customers of that store's current mask policy.

Target

Target is once again requiring employees to wear face masks if they're in an area with substantial or high spread, the retail giant announced Monday. The new policy went into effect Tuesday. Read more here.

Kroger, QFC, and Fred Meyer

The Kroger family of stores — which includes QFC, Fred Meyer, City Market and Metro Market — is asking both customers and shoppers to wear masks while inside stores, regardless of vaccination status. Employees who received the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a one-time $100 bonus.

Kohl's

Any Kohl's employees working in an area with substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rates (as defined by the CDC) will need to wear masks whiles working. The retailer recommends shoppers also wear masks while inside stores. Employees are encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine and the company said it will provide resources to help workers get vaccinated.

Related stories:

All Washingtonians Should Mask Up Again, Inslee Recommends

Resume Masking In Public, Washington Health Officers Say

Patch Staffer Chris Mosby contributed to this report.