Expansion to mask mandate
Sec. John Wiesman, Washington State Department of Health, said that wearing a face covering is showing promising results, especially in Yakima County where the mandate took effect even before a statewide action. Wiesman said the local health district has reported about a 95% compliance rate.
Wiesman then announced an expansion to his statewide mask mandate. He is asking all residents to wear a face covering in common areas, including in elevators, hallways, university housing, hotels, motels, and assisted living facilities. The expansion will take effect on Saturday, July 25.
“I know many of us are tired and wish we could go back to the way it was before,” Wiesman said.
As for backyard barbecues and gatherings, Inslee emphasized that there are laws in place about the size of gatherings and face coverings. He specifically asked parents to insist that their teens and kids in their 20s act responsibly.
“All I can do is ask at this point — technically it is a crime, it is a misdemeanor — but it’s worse than that. You can kill someone you love,” Inslee said.
The governor explained, for example, that if you’re climbing Mount Rainier and there are no other hikers for miles around, you probably don’t need to wear a mask. But if you might run into someone and can’t keep at least six feet apart, you should wear a mask.
Basically masks are here to stay.
https://mynorthwest.com/2042684/gov-inslee-tightens-weddings-funerals-restaurants-bars-gyms/