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Statewide mask order goes into effect June 26

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, a statewide mandatory face covering order goes into effect in Washington beginning June 26.

The state order requires all people older than 5 years to wear a mask or face covering when in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance at least 6 feet from others. The order is in addition to the other COVID-related guidelines all counties must follow in each phase of reopening. Physical distancing, appropriate and regular sanitation actions, and other requirements are still expected from people and businesses.

Gov. Jay Inslee and state Secretary of Health John Weisman announced the statewide order on June 23. At the time, a mandatory mask proclamation was already in place in Yakima County in response to increasing case counts and a potential to overwhelm the county’s health care system. Following reports of cases increasing in additional counties, the governor extended the face covering requirement to include the entire state.

“As necessary economic activity increases and more people are out in their communities, it is imperative that we adopt further measures to protect all of us,” Inslee said during the June 23 press conference. “Until a vaccine or cure is developed, this is going to be one of our best defenses.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests people wear a mask in public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recent studies show a significant portion of people with coronavirus lack symptoms, and others can transmit the virus before showing symptoms.

There are some exceptions to the statewide order, including for those people deaf or hard of hearing who are communicating with others, or for people with medical conditions that make wearing a mask difficult. Children 3 to 5 years old are recommended, not required, to wear face coverings, and those 2 and under should not wear face coverings.

For more information about the state order, visit the Washington State Coronavirus Response website.

For more information about masks, visit the Washington State Department of Health or the Chelan-Douglas Health District.

 

Last Updated: 08/24/2021 09:05 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Apr 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Small Quantity Generator Collection Event

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Chelan County Public Works on April 8 will host a Small Quantity Generator collection event for small businesses looking to safely dispose of hazardous wastes. Participants MUST pre-register.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 03
    Apr 2024
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on April 3, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, meeting room No. 1
  • 27
    Mar 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Cashmere, South Wenatchee and Malaga

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee High School (new commons area)
  • 27
    Mar 2024
    06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - March 27, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 20
    Mar 2024
    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

    Connect with Chelan County: District 1 Meeting

    Posted by: Board Of County Commissioners

    The Chelan County team is coming to a community near you. In March commissioners and a variety of department directors will hold a series of community-led discussions in each of the three districts the commissioners represent.

    Wenatchee High School (new commons area)