Washington To End Mask Mandate Earlier Than Expected: Inslee

WASHINGTON — Washington's indoor mask mandate is coming to a close nine days earlier than previously anticipated, now ending at midnight on March 11.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the change Monday, saying state health leaders had recently determined it would be safe to lift indoor masking requirements ahead of schedule.

“We’ve continued to monitor data from our state Department of Health, and have determined we are able to adjust the timing of our statewide mask requirement," Inslee said. "While this represents another step forward for Washingtonians, we must still be mindful that many within our communities remain vulnerable. Many businesses and families will continue choosing to wear masks, because we’ve learned how effective they are at keeping one another safe. As we transition to this next phase, we will continue to move forward together carefully and cautiously.”

Oregon and California will lift their mask mandates at the same time, the governor's office said. The move comes partially in response to recent changes in CDC guidance, which was loosened Friday so that almost 70 percent of Americans would no longer be required to wear masks indoors.

"California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic," said California Gov. Gavin Newsom. "Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward."

Masks will still be required in certain settings including health care, corrections facilities, and long-term care facilities, Inslee's office said. Federal guidelines mean masks will also still be required on public transit like buses or the Link Light Rail.

The Washington State Department of Health expects to announce new guidance for K-12 schools next week, so that schools can adapt to the changing protocol.

Washington, California and Oregon will continue to encourage mask use in indoor settings, particularly among the unvaccinated. Local health jurisdictions will also be free to maintain their own mask mandates, but the most populous counties appear to be following the state's lead. Pierce County's top health official has said his mask order will lift when the state's does. Meanwhile King County had earlier said it was independently evaluating the "appropriate time" to loosen its COVID-19 safety guidelines, but County Executive Dow Constantine confirmed Monday that he would lift its mandate on the 12th, to coincide with the state's guidance.

This article originally appeared on the Lakewood-JBLM Patch