Mask up – and Support Local Makers
Washington State’s public health order requires people in Washington wear face coverings in public spaces and businesses won’t be required to serve customers who aren’t wearing face coverings. Wearing a face covering in public will help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Guidance from the CDC and state Department of Health tell us wearing a face covering of any kind is another tool to limit the spread of COVID-19:
- It’s still critical to wash hands, cover coughs and follow physical distancing measures.
- Stay close to home.
- Limit gatherings to 5 or fewer people from outside your home per week.
- Conserve medical-grade masks for healthcare workers and first responders only.
- Don’t put masks on children younger than 2 or anyone with certain disabilities or health conditions. The state recommends but does not require children younger than 5 to wear masks in public places. The state requires children 5 and older to wear face coverings in public when distancing cannot be safely maintained.
- People with certain disabilities are exempt from the order. People who are hard of hearing often use facial movements to relay their meaning or reading lips to understand others. Wearing a mask may interfere with their ability to communicate with—or understand—others. We must make sure everyone can communicate and remain safe.
- Get tested for COVID-19 if you have participated in any large gatherings.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers more updates here.
Need a mask? Several local makers are offering masks for sale:
