WA DOH Asks Everyone To Mask Up For Memorial Day

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington state's top health experts are asking residents to consider wearing a mask and following other COVID-19 safety guidance over the long holiday weekend.

COVID-19 case counts are on the rise once again in Washington, in what appears to be a nascent wave of new viral infections. Hospitalizations are also up, and while the death toll remains relatively stable, health leaders say now is a good time to act cautiously.

"When you are in indoor settings that are crowded, confined spaces, we absolutely want you to wear a mask," said Washington Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah at a DOH briefing Wednesday.

The latest update to the DOH's COVID-19 data dashboard shows that Washington saw about 255 new COVID infections per every 100,000 residents in the week ending May 16. That pales in comparison with the peak case rate of over 1,700 cases in January, but it's also a notable increase from the low of around 40 cases per 100,000 residents Washington saw in mid-March, and estimates show that case counts are only going to keep going up for the near future.

While the state will not be implementing any new mask requirements or other COVID-19 safety restrictions, the Washington State Department of Health is asking everyone to mask up if they're attending any major gatherings this Memorial Day weekend.

"We are not returning to any broad mask requirement at this time, but we are strongly recommending that masks be worn in crowded or confined indoor spaces or in areas where there may be poor ventilation," said Lacy Fehrenbach, Deputy Secretary for Prevention & Health.

Masks are still required in a few spaces, like in health care settings, long term care facilities and correctional facilities. But for most of Washington, it will be up to the individual to practice COVID-19 safety, and health leaders are asking them to consider erring on the side of caution.

"Each family and individual will have to make their own personal risk assessment around these issues," Fehrenbach said.

Before heading out to a Memorial Day gathering, Fehrenbach says to consider the following:

• The level of disease in your community.
• If you are going somewhere indoors or outdoors.
• How good is the ventilation or air quality?
• How long will you be in that environment?
• How many people will be there?
• Do you know the vaccination status of the people you are visiting or gathering with?