Many places will be mask-optional starting this Saturday

But Thurston County offices will follow L&I guidelines

Posted

Face masks will no longer be required in some indoor settings beginning this Saturday, March 12.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced that face masks would not be required inside K-12 schools, restaurants, gyms, grocery stores, and retail locations.

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Interim Director Kurt Hardin said the County would abide by the new masking guidelines for workplaces by the WA Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).

"I've had some departments and offices inquiring about what is the masking requirement change for the County," Hardin said. "The county's position is that it is waiting on the L&I revised requirements because L&I has requirements already in place for the workplace perspective."

Hardin reminded everyone present in the Wednesday meeting of appointed directors with County Commissioners that face masks are still required in some sectors.

As per the DOH guidelines, face masks will still be required in some settings, including (but not limited to) medical facilities, long-term care facilities, and public transit.

In their latest update, L&I stated that local health jurisdictions and individual businesses may still require face masks

"Businesses can't punish workers who wear a mask, take time off to get vaccinated, or seek treatment for COVID-19," the guidelines read.

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