Snohomish County’s health officer has announced the return of an indoor masking mandate for all residents age 5 and older, making the western Washington county where Everett is located one of the first in the state to return to the widespread directive.
Dr. Chris Spitters said Tuesday at a news conference the requirement comes after the county’s COVID-19 cases doubled in the past three weeks.
The directive includes retail, grocery and government buildings and any other public, indoor spaces. It does not apply to outdoor spaces, though Spitters encouraged people to wear masks outside as well.
The mandate, which applies regardless of vaccination status, goes into effect on Thursday. (AP)
