Governor Jay Inslee announced today the statewide mask mandate will end at 11:59 p.m. on March 11 for most indoor settings. Masks will continue to be required after March 12 in some settings, including health care and long-term care facilities, public transit and school buses.
Officials from Public Health – Seattle & King County also announced King County’s mask mandate will also end at 11:59 p.m. on March 11.
The updated mask mandate timeline is in response to declining hospitalization rates and updated recommendations from the CDC.
As before, businesses need to accommodate employees who want to wear a mask or need to take time off to get vaccinated or seek treatment for COVID-19.
Be sure to check your with your local public health department for any additional workplace restrictions that may be in place in your community.
Original post: February 17, 2022
As vaccination rates continue to increase and hospitalization rates come down, state and local elected leaders and public health officials are starting to wind down COVID-19 mask, testing and vaccine verification mandates.
Here’s what has been announced so far:
Ending Feb. 18
- Statewide outdoor mask mandate for large (500+ people) events.
Ending March 1
- Statewide vaccine verification and capacity restrictions for large indoor events.
- King County COVID-19 vaccine and testing verification requirements for restaurants, bars, theaters and gyms. The Seattle Chamber will host a free webinar at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 to help operators ramp-down this requirement and share ideas on how to keep customers and employees safe.
Ending March 11
- Vaccine and test verification in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
Ending March 21 March 12
- Statewide indoor mask mandates.
Masks will continue to be required after March 21 March 12 in some settings, including health care and long-term care facilities, public transit and school buses.
Businesses may continue with their own mask, testing and vaccine verification policies for employees and guests if they want to. We have helpful information and links to sample policies on our Current Guidance & Requirements page.
While the declining case rates are a welcome shift in the right direction, we’re not out of the woods yet with the pandemic. The Washington Hospitality Association is excited that our industry is fully open and able to serve our guests. We are urging everyone to support their favorite hotels and restaurants, and to please remember to have grace and kindness to our team members.