Washington State has issued several updates to COVID-19 orders and guidance to clarify masking rules following Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement that the state-wide mask mandate was lifted effective March 12, 2022.

On March 11, 2022, Inslee amended his “Washington Ready” Proclamation (20-25.19) for greater consistency with the Secretary of Health’s new “Face Coverings – Statewide” order (Order 20-03.8). Both the proclamation and order clarify that masks are required only in healthcare settings (such as hospitals, outpatient facilities, and dental offices), long-term care settings, and correctional facilities. The public is reminded by Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (LNI) that federal law still requires face coverings on public transportation.

Masking in Special Settings

In special settings where masks generally are still required, workers can remove their masks when:

• Working outdoors;
• They have provided their employer sufficient documentation that they are fully vaccinated (which does not require boosters) and are working indoors in areas not generally accessible to the public when only employees are present;
• Engaging in certain activities, such as sleeping, swimming, bathing, grooming, communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, confirming identity, complying with other laws, or during an emergency.

Children under the age of five and anyone with certain medical or mental health conditions are exempted from wearing masks in any setting....

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