Here’s what Whatcom needs to know as state’s new mask-wearing mandate starts Friday
Remember to grab your mask Whatcom County when you go out in public starting Friday, June 26.
That’s when the new statewide mandate — it requires people to cover their nose and mouth when in most indoor and outdoor public spaces — goes into effect to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Washington state, where confirmed cases have been increasing.
Secretary of Health John Wiesman signed the health order requiring face coverings while in public, and ignoring it is a misdemeanor.
“We know it may be disturbing to some in our community who do not routinely wear face coverings. We’d hoped that many people would choose to wear masks voluntarily, because they work to protect others and keep the virus from spreading,” said Dr. Greg Stern, Whatcom County Health Officer, in a prepared statement.
Stern is referring to the Whatcom County mask directive that was issued in May. That one was voluntary.
He compared the new state requirement to other rules that were put into place to change behavior.
“However, we also know from years of public health practice that mandates work to encourage people to adopt healthy behaviors. When we look at seat belt use or texting and driving or the reduction in smoking — mandates all had a big role in promoting healthy habits,” Stern said.
The coverings are meant to help reduce transmission of the virus that causes the respiratory illness.
“Masks, whether cloth or medical-grade, can reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 by 1/3 or more,” the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington concluded, after running a meta-analysis on more than 20 studies on mask use.
The institute said that mask use has increased in the U.S. since April 26, but that varies by state and region, with the Northeast having high rates of mask use.
In Washington state, about 30% to 40% reported that they always wear a mask when going out, the institute said, citing June 13 data.
“Widespread mask use may temper or even help prevent a second wave of the pandemic,” the institute said.
In Whatcom County, health Director Erika Lautenbach said a recent surge of new COVID-19 cases here were traced to large parties in early June where people didn’t wear masks.
As for the state’s new face-covering requirement, here’s what you need to know.
Where in public do I have to wear a mask?
According to the state order, public spaces include but are not limited to:
▪ While in line or inside any building, including businesses that are open to the public.
▪ In health care settings, such as doctor and dentist offices, veterinary clinics, blood banks, hospitals, pharmacies and labs.
▪ While in line and waiting for public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing vehicles.
▪ Outdoor, such as sidewalks, parks, trails and other recreation areas where you can’t keep six feet away from others who are not in your household.
Can I take off my mask when in public?
Yes, under certain circumstances. They include:
▪ While eating and drinking at a restaurant or other establishment, as long as you’re at least 6 feet away from people at other tables.
▪ Outdoors, if you can stay at least six feet away from others who aren’t in your household.
▪ While exercising — such as walking, hiking, biking or running — indoors or outside as long as that 6-foot distance is maintained from people who aren’t in your household. However, people who are in team sports must follow other requirements established by the governor.
What should I do if I see people not wearing masks in public as mandated?
The answer is a two-parter, as explained by Melissa Morin, spokeswoman for the Whatcom County Health Department.
“People shouldn’t feel like they have to confront others who are not wearing masks in public. We urge people to have compassion for others, and remember that some people have conditions or circumstances that make wearing a mask dangerous for them or difficult to do. You never know if that’s the case for the person you see,” Morin said to The Bellingham Herald.
“We suggest people simply take steps to protect themselves by moving 6 feet away and keeping their face covering on,” she said.
People who are exempt from the mandate include those with a medical or mental health condition as well as a disability that would prevent them from wearing one. Also excluded are children 5 years old and younger, although it’s recommended that kids who are 2 years of age to 4 wear them with adult supervision.
If you have friends or family who don’t wear face coverings in public, talk to them, Morin said.
“We suggest talking to loved ones who don’t wear masks, if you’re comfortable doing so. Open it up by making it personal, talk about what motivates you to wear a mask, like saying that you wear it to protect an elderly family member,” she said.
Morin added: “Don’t blame or shame people with different views, which can shut people down. But do share your concerns in a kind and compassionate way and listen to theirs. That can open up a productive conversation about how we can slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
Who’s responsible for enforcing the state mandate?
“We don’t yet know the details of enforcement, including where that responsibility will fall,” Morin said.
But Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo said on Thursday, June 25, that deputies will not arrest people for violating the face-covering order.
That’s because a separate communication from the state said the order “is not a mandate for law enforcement to detain, cite or arrest violators,” Elfo wrote on the Facebook page for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
“For a number of reasons, it is not practical absent aggravating circumstances, for deputies (to) take law enforcement action against people not wearing face masks. When confronted with violations, deputies will continue to educate and encourage voluntary compliance. I urge everyone to exercise good judgment and courtesy to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Elfo stated.
