‘Not a time to throw caution to the wind,’ as Washington sets end to mask mandate
Washington’s “next chapter” of COVID-19 will be based on empowering families and individuals to protect themselves, rather than having mandates, Gov. Jay Inslee said during Monday’s press conference to announce mask mandates would lift for March 12.
The plan will also include making sure there is an adequate supply of PPE and vaccinations in case the virus surges again, he said.
School protocols and other state plans will be announced next week in order for school districts to be able to prepare for the relaxation of restrictions.
The statewide emergency declaration will not yet be lifted and that date will also be announced separately. The governor said this is because of potential federal funding, to continue safety protocols in hospitals and so employees who wish to remain masked at work continue to have protection.
Inslee announced that COVID-19 virus activity is “significantly declining,” allowing for the new date for the statewide mask mandate to be lifted.
“Earlier today Washington joined both Oregon and California in announcing a shorter timeline for lifting the mask mandate, including in our schools,” Inslee said. “After March 11, the vast majority of businesses and public spaces will be free of a mask mandate.”
Masks will still be required in places like healthcare settings, long-term care facilities and correctional facilities.
While the virus is still active, Inslee noted the state’s confidence in seeing a decline in case numbers in the upcoming weeks. This led to the accelerated date for the lift on mask mandates after the governor’s discussions with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Oregon will also lift restrictions after 11:59 p.m. on March 11. California will lift public mask mandates Tuesday, although schools will still have requirements for masks until after March 11.
Hospitalizations are coming down dramatically, according to the Washington Department of Health. Peaks are still high relative to the other peaks throughout the pandemic, Inslee acknowledged. Hospitalizations have decreased significantly over the last two weeks, which is why restrictions are now able to be lifted, he said.
Inslee said the CDC’s recommendations reflect his view that Washington should be “transitioning to a new phase in our efforts against covid.” He said that Washington has relied on DOH for the most accurate data during the pandemic, but said the state also considers CDC guidance as well.
The governor was joined by Umair Shah, the DOH Secretary of Health. He thanked Washingtonians for taking measures such as wearing masks and getting vaccines to protect themselves and those around them.
“This is not a time to throw caution to the wind, remember the pandemic is not over,” said Shah. “While we will no longer require masks in most places, we know a mask still offers protection.” He noted that businesses will be allowed to have their own restrictions if they see fit, and to be “civil” to those who have “rules of the room.”
The CDC has issued a guide for people to keep track of their community COVID-19 case levels. “Low” levels advise people to wear masks “based on your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk.” “Medium” levels advise those who are immunocompromised, or who live with someone who is, to wear masks. And “high” levels recommend everyone, including those who are vaccinated, to wear masks indoors, including in schools.
Looking at data on a county by county basis “has not been helpful in the state of Washington,” Inslee added. The best route forward is a statewide approach, he said. Pierce County cases are still high, while King County cases are low currently. Based on the data, Inslee said he believes Washington will be out of the high-risk category as a state on March 11.
