Back

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!

  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 11
    Dec 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 11, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office