‘Not a time to throw caution to the wind,’ as Washington sets end to mask mandate

Washington’s “next chapter” of COVID-19 will be based on empowering families and individuals to protect themselves, rather than having mandates, Gov. Jay Inslee said during Monday’s press conference to announce mask mandates would lift for March 12.

The plan will also include making sure there is an adequate supply of PPE and vaccinations in case the virus surges again, he said. School protocols and other state plans will be announced next week in order for school districts to be able to prepare for the relaxation of restrictions.

The statewide emergency declaration will not yet be lifted and that date will also be announced separately. The governor said this is because of potential federal funding, to continue safety protocols in hospitals and so employees who wish to remain masked at work continue to have protection. Inslee announced that COVID-19 virus activity is “significantly declining,” allowing for the new date for the statewide mask mandate to be lifted.