Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday that he expects next week to announce some details for when the state will end COVID-19 emergency mask requirements that cover schools and businesses.
In a Wednesday news conference, Inslee also announced that an outdoor mask requirement for people at gatherings of 500 or more would end effective Feb. 18. Additionally the governor announced an end to the pause of elective surgeries starting that same day, as hospitalization levels for the virus continue to trend downward. Also the Washington National Guard will no longer be needed to help in those facilities, he said.
Washington’s masking requirements for K-12 schools and indoor public spaces and businesses remain in effect for now. (Seattle Times)
