Governor lifts state mask mandate for March 21, 2022
Masks are required on school buses and encouraged elsewhere after March 21.
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced last Friday the state mandate on masks will end. However local public health and school districts can still require masks.
February 21, 2022
Nearly two years since Hazen High School was closed due to the first reported COVID19 case in the city, Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced last Friday he is lifting the state mandate on masks beginning March 21, 2022. The mandate also covers K-12 schools. But before you get excited and throw those masks away.
Inslee stated in the Medium. The week of March 7, Department of Health (DOH) will issue updated guidance for K-12 schools to go into effect March 21. The guidance will be released early to help schools prepare for this transition. Shortly after the Friday announcement, an email was sent out to school district staff from Superintendent Dr. Damien Pattenaude. The email stated “Even with this announcement, it is important to note that until March 21, masks will continue to be required for all staff, students, and visitors in all Renton School District buildings.”
“Once the statewide requirement is lifted on March 21, unless there is a local requirement from Public Health – Seattle & King County, masks will be encouraged in school buildings but not required. However, masks will still be required on school buses per a federal mandate that requires masks to be worn on all forms of public transportation,” Pattenaude said. “We are currently reviewing the details of the Governor’s announcement and anticipate new guidance soon from the Department of Health. Additionally, next week, I have a meeting with Public Health – Seattle & King County.”
Schools will still be required to report COVID-19 cases and outbreaks, and cooperate with public health authorities in responding to these consistent with procedures for other communicable diseases.
Students and staff with symptoms of COVID-19 will continue to be required to quarantine away from school buildings. Schools must also ensure access to testing for staff and students who have symptoms of or who may have been exposed to COVID-19. If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they must remain at home and follow the CDC and DOH isolation protocol. DOH will also shift existing requirements regarding distancing, ventilation, and sanitation so they become recommendations.