Masks will no longer be required in WA hospitals and other facilities starting in April
The Washington State Department of Health announced it will end its mask order April 3. That means the state will no longer require visitors to wear a mask inside healthcare, long-term care and adult correctional facilities.
The current rule requires universal masking in healthcare, long-term care, and adult correctional facilities for people age 5 and older.
The State of Oregon announced a similar measure Friday, because the rate of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths has been declining since the end of 2022. In Washington, RSV and influenza cases also have been on the decline.
In a news release from the Department of Health, Secretary of Health Umair Shah said, “Masks have been – and will continue to be – an important tool, along with vaccinations, to keep people healthy and safe.” Masks will continue to be recommended for patients and healthcare providers, as well as visitors.
Local and tribal governments, as well as private facilities and providers, can still choose to require masks, according to the release. And those who choose to wear masks or other personal protective equipment can continue to do so without fear of employer retaliation, due to worker protection requirements, the news release says.
The state’s indoor masking mandates have been in place since 2020.
This story was originally published March 3, 2023 at 10:49 AM.
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