As frequency of the Delta variant of COVID raises, a new mask mandate has been issued for Washington state. Many people have asked what this means and the rules associated. The mandate is in effect for the entire state of Washington now and not just by county.
This blog is sponsored by the Snohomish Health District
Frequently Asked Questions on the Masking Mandate
What is the mandate?
Washington State Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, M.D., MPH, amended Order 20-03 requiring face masks for everyone over five years of age in most public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. These include places like grocery stores, malls, gyms, and community centers. Masks are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings like sporting events, fairs, and concerts where physical distancing is not possible. The updated order goes into effect on Monday, Aug. 23.
The order reflects the recommendations of all 35 local health officers in the state of Washington and recent changes to CDC guidance that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in indoor public settings, in areas of substantial or high transmission. With the rise of the more infectious Delta variant, every county in Washington is currently categorized as having substantial or high transmission.
There are some exceptions to the indoor mask requirement, including
- Children under 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
Does this apply to churches and other faith-based organizations?
The mandate is for places where members of the public can enter freely, which would include faith-based organizations and services.
What about restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments?
Masks should be worn when entering the establishment, when speaking to others, and when not eating or drinking. This mandate does not impose any capacity or distancing requirements.
Do gyms, fitness studios and other recreational or entertainment facilities need to follow the mandate?
Yes, all indoor spaces that are open to the public, customers or clients should have all individuals wearing face coverings. People do not need a mask while swimming or engaged in other water sports or recreation, but should wear them when out of the water, in locker rooms, and such.
Can people wear something other than a mask, like a face shield?
Some masks work better than others to help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Note: N95 respirators approved by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be prioritized for healthcare personnel.
The CDC does not recommend using face shields as a substitute for masks, as they have large gaps below and alongside the face. Respiratory droplets may escape and reach others around you, potentially exposing others, and will not protect you from respiratory droplets from other people.
If you must wear a face shield instead of a mask, like for interacting with those who are deaf or hearing impaired:
- Choose a face shield that wraps around the sides of your face and extends below your chin or a hooded face shield. This is based on the limited available data that suggest these types of face shields are better at preventing spray of respiratory droplets.
- Wash your hands after removing the face shield. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing it.
- Clean and disinfect reusable face shields according to the manufacturer’s instructions or by following CDC face shield cleaning instructions. If you use a disposable face shield, wear it once and throw it away according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is important to use and handle masks properly. A mask should 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 each 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.
Why do I need a mask if I am fully vaccinated?
The CDC has stated that people in high transmission areas (including Snohomish County) should continue to wear a mask indoors to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing serious illness and death, but it is still possible to become infected, but at a much lower rate than vaccinated persons—about 80-90% lower. If you become infected, you can spread it to others.
Masks also help protect the unvaccinated – which includes kids under age 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccines. Unvaccinated people are at a much higher risk of getting sick with and spreading the disease, as well as developing complications from COVID-19.
Won’t this mandate hurt our local businesses?
The mandate does not impose any capacity or operational restrictions. Instead, it provides a clear requirement for everyone to wear a mask when in public spaces indoors. This is our best public health advice to protect you, your family, and our communities. This will help reduce the risk of COVID 19 to the public, including customers and workers. It will also help stem the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and decrease the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant happening in our state.
For more information on the statewide mandate, visit www.doh.wa.gov/masks.
