As Delta Strain Spreads, WA Considers Renewing Mask Mandate

OLYMPIA, WA — The highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 is surging in Washington, and has some state leaders reportedly eyeing the possibility of reinstating the mask mandate.

According to a Department of Health briefing Friday from State Epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lindquist, both Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah have discussed the possibility of once again requiring Washingtonians to wear masks while in indoor public spaces.

"There is no recommendation from the state or the governor at this point, but stay tuned - this stuff changes pretty quickly," Lindquist said.

While the state weighs its options, Lindquist says the door is open for local jurisdictions to impose their own mask mandates if they so choose.

"In a county where they're seeing case increase in the presence of Delta variant, it makes sense," Lindquist said.

The announcement comes as a reaction to the increasing prevalence of the more-infectious Delta strain of COVID-19. The Delta strain recently became the dominant form of COVID-19 in Washington state, and makes up an estimated 58 percent of the state's new COVID-19 infections.

The Delta variant was first detected in Washington back in April. It is more transmissible compared to other variants, but does not carry a higher risk of hospitalization or serious complications. All three authorized COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, appear to be effective against the Delta strain, Lindquist said.

"The majority of these hospitalizations can be prevented by people getting vaccinated, so they do not get COVID-19," Lindquist said.

The state's initial mask mandate went into effect just over one year ago, on June 26, 2020. The mandate required residents to wear masks or facial coverings while in public spaces, with a few exceptions for the deaf, hard of hearing and children under 5.

If the state does choose to reinstate the mask mandate, it could be a statewide initiative, or it could be tailored to regions with low vaccination rates and high case counts. But until a decision is made regarding the potential mask mandate, Washington is only asking that residents be careful.

"What we are recommending is that you use common sense, whether you're vaccinated or not," said Lindquist. "Try not to be in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, in case somebody does have COVID. Obviously, if you're not vaccinated, masks are still effective."