Governor Inslee revises end date for mask mandate, will be lifted beginning March 12
Following a review of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) change to its guidance on masking based on Covid-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and new cases, today Governor Inslee announced he has revised the previous (March 21) end date for the statewide mask mandate:
- Beginning March 1 — End of vaccine verification or negative test requirements at large public events.
- Beginning March 12 — Mask mandate for retail businesses including dealerships, schools, and other indoor settings including houses of worship, recreation centers, athletic facilities, and libraries is lifted.
Additionally, masks will continue to be required in certain health care settings, prisons, public transit, and school buses.
Local governments will retain the ability to enact local mask requirements, and individuals can choose to continue to wear masks. In counties with “high” levels, the CDC advises wearing a mask in public indoor settings, including schools. In counties with “medium” levels, the CDC advises talking with your doctor about wearing a mask if you’re at increased risk for Covid-19. In counties with “low” Covid-19 community levels, the CDC has no recommendation for mask wearing. A county map is available by clicking here.