Statewide Indoor Mask Order Returns Monday In Washington

WASHINGTON — A universal indoor mask mandate returns to Washington Monday, requiring all people 5 and older to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, regardless of their vaccination status. Gov. Jay Inslee announced the pending return of formal masking requirements last Wednesday, during the same news conference where he unveiled a vaccine mandate for teachers, coaches and other school staff.

Washington's amended masking order follows requirements already announced in several counties, and a unanimous recommendation from all 35 of the state's health officers. The mandate requires masking in places like grocery stores, gyms, malls, community centers and movie theaters. State health officials also recommend masking outdoors in crowded areas — like sporting events, concerts and fairs — where physical distancing is not feasible.

"It is important to use and handle masks properly," the Washington State Department of Health wrote. "A mask would fit snugly around both your mouth and nose, and it should not have holes or tears in the fabric. Cloth face coverings should be washed frequently, ideally after reach use, and certainly daily. If you are not able to wash it after each use, wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face."

A few exceptions to indoor mask requirements include:

• Children under age five years of age. However, children age two to four years old can wear a mask under close adult supervision.
• People with a medical or mental health condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask.
• Fully vaccinated workers who are working alone or in an area not accessible to the public.
• Athletes who play indoor sports and who are actively engaged in competition or practice (masks are still required on sidelines and in team meetings).
• Small indoor private gatherings when everyone is vaccinated.
• Children under two years of age should not wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation.

"Reinstating mask requirements is necessary in addition to increasing vaccinations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Washington," officials said. "The health care system is under immense strain, due in part to increased COVID-19 transmission, mostly among unvaccinated people. Between Feb. 1 and Aug. 3, 94.5% of COVID-19 cases who were hospitalized were not fully vaccinated. "

State hospital leaders recently warned that the number of COVID-19 patients reached the highest level in the pandemic, with most facilities already at or nearing capacity. A report released Thursday showed the prevalence of COVID-19 nearly quadrupled in Washington between early July and early August, as the more infectious delta variant became even more dominant.