COVID-19 Information

Share COVID-19 Information on Facebook Share COVID-19 Information on Twitter Share COVID-19 Information on Linkedin Email COVID-19 Information link

COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated. 

See the CDC's COVID website for current information and trends. 


The City of Mercer Island is committed to sharing up-to-date information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with the community. These pages share the latest information, resources, and more.

Click on the shortcut buttons below to access the most requested information.



The City of Mercer Island is committed to sharing up-to-date information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with the community. These pages share the latest information, resources, and more.

Click on the shortcut buttons below to access the most requested information.


COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated. 

See the CDC's COVID website for current information and trends. 

  • Washington State Reopens Today!

    Share Washington State Reopens Today! on Facebook Share Washington State Reopens Today! on Twitter Share Washington State Reopens Today! on Linkedin Email Washington State Reopens Today! link
    This news article has been archived.
    supporting image

    Today, our state reopens: a new beginning made possible by all who did their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Washington.

    From the Washington State Department of Health:

    As we celebrate this milestone, we know there are still questions about what reopening actually means. How is the Washington of today different than yesterday? Will mask wearing and physical distancing remain?

    Here are some of the basics to know about reopening — and how it may impact your plans for this summer, and beyond.

    What exactly does reopening mean?

    You can think of reopening as a return to “business as usual.” Most businesses — including restaurants, bars, movie theaters, grocery stores and offices — get to operate like they did before the pandemic. That means no capacity or occupancy limits, so long as they’re following the workplace safety requirements set by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

    There are no capacity limits for outdoor events or most indoor gatherings. The only exception is for very large indoor events (10,000+ attendees). Those events will stay at 75% capacity, for now.

    Do I need to wear a mask or physical distance?

    That depends largely upon your vaccination status.

    There is still a mask order in place for unvaccinated people ages 2 and older. This helps protect not only those who are unvaccinated, but also vulnerable people with auto-immune or other conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated.

    People who are not vaccinated should continue to keep 6 feet of distance in public and keep gatherings small.

    Fully vaccinated people generally do not need to wear masks in public and do not need to distance from others. However, masks are still needed for travel and public transportation, at schools, in health care settings, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters.

    Even though that’s state policy, counties and businesses have the right to enforce masking and distancing, regardless of vaccination status. That’s why our mantra is to “respect the room you’re in.”

    Why is the reopening happening now? Isn’t COVID-19 still spreading?

    Washington’s reopening was based on either reaching 70% of people ages 16 and older getting their first dose of the vaccine; or by hitting June 30, whichever happened first. Well, we hit June 30th and 68.8% of people 16 and older in Washington have had their first vaccine.

    We can all give ourselves a pat on the back for reaching this milestone. Washingtonians have been cautious in reopening, and it’s paid off.

    Just remember, COVID-19 will stay with us as long as new variants keep showing up. And the best way to stop the new variants is through vaccination. That’s why it’s so important to get your vaccine as soon as you’re ready. Unvaccinated people should continue to get tested for COVID-19 if they have any symptoms or had any known exposures.

    We encourage everyone to sign up for WA Notify as an added layer of protection for yourself and your community. This free tool alerts you if you’ve been near another user who tested positive for COVID-19 without sharing any personal information.

    Can my friends and family visit Washington?

    Yes, we can welcome back our loved ones! Vaccinated family and friends can visit Washington with ease. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated individuals hold off on travel, for now. If they do travel, remind them to follow CDC recommendations for testing and quarantining.

    Is it OK to be anxious or have concerns?

    Absolutely. Hesitation and uncertainty about the “new normal” are to be expected. The last 18+ months have been taxing on our mental and emotional wellbeing.

    Some of us may have become used to a slower pace of life. Others may feel uneasy about being in crowded spaces again. All of these feelings are normal.

    In a recent series, we shared the four R’s of healing: Reflect, Release, Restore and Rise. These posts include tips for easing the transition.

    If you need someone to talk to about stress due to COVID-19, call Washington Listens at 1–833–681–0211 for support. You can also contact your healthcare provider.

    So, get out there and celebrate Washington’s reopening. And enjoy the summer, you earned it!

    Published by the Washington State Department of Health

  • King County Mask Directive Ends

    Share King County Mask Directive Ends on Facebook Share King County Mask Directive Ends on Twitter Share King County Mask Directive Ends on Linkedin Email King County Mask Directive Ends link
    This news article has been archived.
    supporting image

    Today marks two weeks since 70% of King County's eligible population (residents 16+) completed their vaccine series. With that, the Public Health Official's directive to continue wearing masks has ended.

    King County reminds residents and visitors that:

    • Vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most public settings but may choose to do so based on personal considerations.
    • Everyone, vaccinated or not, should continue to keep a mask with them when they go out. Masks will be needed in some indoor spaces.
    • People who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must continue to wear face coverings when they enter indoor public spaces, according to state guidance. This helps protect not only adults who are unvaccinated, particularly as more contagious variants are spreading, but also children and those with medical conditions that prevent them from getting vaccinated or from being fully protected by vaccines.
    • Businesses are allowed to request or require their customers and employees to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.
    • If there is a surge in COVID-19, masks will be an important tool. Don't throw away those masks!

    Follow this link to read King County's press release or for:

    • Questions and answers about re-opening, including more information about mask wearing for workplaces, visit Frequently Asked Questions: kingcounty.gov/safereopen
    • More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including a full list of vaccination sites and appointment options, visit: kingcounty.gov/vaccine
  • News for the Week of June 21

    Share News for the Week of June 21 on Facebook Share News for the Week of June 21 on Twitter Share News for the Week of June 21 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of June 21 link

    News highlights for the week of June 21.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 607 positive cases reported as of June 24. DOH reported a total of 413,046 confirmed cases as of June 23. There have been 5,898 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    Washington is getting ready for reopening. What will that mean for workers? Soon, businesses will be able to resume operating at their full capacities again. This is welcome news for Washington businesses, workers, and customers. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated people don’t need to wear masks indoors or outdoors. As a result, many businesses dropped their mask requirements for customers. But what about their workers? Continue reading here

    Situation Reports. The City will be issuing two more Situation Reports (SitReps), available the first Friday of the month. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of July 2. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Vaccine News

    King County COVID-19 Vaccine Data At-a-Glance. Page updated daily here.

    Need vaccine support? Call the DOH support line 1-833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

    How to get your vaccine records. MyIR (“My Immunization Records”) is Washington’s online portal for vaccine records. MyIR updates your information from healthcare records in the state’s immunization registry. Visit www.MyIRmobile.com to retrieve your records. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for complete immunization records for you or your child.

    Resources

    Inslee announces eviction moratorium "bridge." Gov. Jay Inslee announced a "bridge" proclamation between the eviction moratorium and the housing stability programs put in place by the Legislature. The bridge is in effect July 1 through Sept. 30. Read the full news release here.

    COVID-19 Reporting

    Update from DOH. Beginning July 1, DOH will report new COVID-19 epidemiological data to the DOH COVID-19 dashboard Monday–Friday, instead of seven days a week. This transition is a milestone toward more sustainable COVID-19 reporting and a response to recent declines in COVID-19 disease activity, hospitalizations, and deaths.

    Last Call...

    New safe reopening webpage. Starting June 30, the State of Washington is removing most COVID-19 restrictions. This means that most businesses and organizations may choose to operate as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements. Learn what this means for individuals and businesses.

  • News for the Week of June 14

    Share News for the Week of June 14 on Facebook Share News for the Week of June 14 on Twitter Share News for the Week of June 14 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of June 14 link

    News highlights for the week of June 14.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 606 positive cases reported as of June 21. DOH reported a total of 410,195 confirmed cases as of June 16. There have been 5,810 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    King County completes 70 percent vaccination; mask directive to end June 29. King County has crossed the 70 percent threshold for residents age 16+ to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series. The County’s directive on mask use will end on June 29. Follow this link to read the press release.

    State moves closer to reopening as 67.8 percent of people 16+ initiate vaccination. As of June 14, more than 7,528,340 doses of vaccine have been given across the state and more than 4.1 million people have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Washington is getting closer to its 70 percent initiation goal. Read the full news release here.

    Situation Reports. The City issues monthly Situation Reports (SitReps), available the first Friday of the month. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of July 2. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Vaccine News

    King County COVID-19 Vaccine Data At-a-Glance. Page updated daily here.

    Need vaccine support? Call the DOH support line 1-833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

    Updates to vaccine and testing sites. Vaccine and testing site days and hours continue to change and be updated on King County's Getting Vaccinated and COVID Testing pages. Check back often to make sure the site you want to go to for vaccines or testing is open.

    Last Call...

    City moves towards September opening, summer camps start and Mostly Music In the Park set to return in August. As announced by City Manager Bon at the May 18 City Council meeting, City Hall is on track to re-open in September. This week, summer campers returned to the MICEC for the summer. The Thrift Shop is also set to expand hours in July. Finally, the City is pleased to announce that Mostly Music in the Park will return later this summer. Stay tuned for details!

  • News for the Week of June 7

    Share News for the Week of June 7 on Facebook Share News for the Week of June 7 on Twitter Share News for the Week of June 7 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of June 7 link

    News highlights for the week of June 7.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 598 positive cases reported as of June 11. DOH reported a total of 407,403 confirmed cases as of June 9. There have been 5,803 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. As of June 7, more than 7,301,374 doses of vaccine have been given across the state. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    WA COVID-19 Response Long-Term Care Report. As of June 7, a total of 20,527 COVID-19 cases and 2,711 deaths have been identified as associated or likely associated with a long-term care facility (such as nursing home, assisted living facility, or adult family home). These cases include residents as well as employees and visitors. Read the full June 8 report here.

    Situation Reports. The City issues monthly Situation Reports (SitReps), available the first Friday of the month. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of July 2. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Information for Businesses

    Guidance for businesses: Indoor Mask Directive flyer. Created at the request of several King County business owners, this flyer outlines what mask guidance is required and recommended by the WA State Dept. of Health, WA State Dept. of Labor and Industries, and King County’s local Mask Directive.

    SSTAR Ventilation webinar for King County restaurants and other food businesses. This 56-minute video covers information about improving indoor air quality to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    Vaccine News

    King County COVID-19 Vaccine Data At-a-Glance. Page updated daily here.

    Need vaccine support? Call the DOH support line 1-833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

    Vaccine data reconciliation between state and federal sources will take time. The CDC reports 7,843,092 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Washington as of June 6, whereas DOH reports 7,253,646 doses have been administered as of June 5. The state’s data dashboard represents the most accurate information the department has control over, and there are a few reasons why the numbers are different. Read the full news release here.

    Resources

    Inslee extends proclamation on the Family Emergency Assistance Program (FEAP). Gov. Jay Inslee extended a proclamation allowing for the FEAP to assist families, both with and without children, who continue to suffer economic hardship during the pandemic. Read the full news release here.

    Last Call…

    Statement from the Washington State Department of Health. DOH recognizes many people have experienced challenges while trying to confirm that their records were transmitted to the Washington State Immunization Information System (WAIIS) and that they are eligible for the “Shot of a Lifetime” lottery drawing. Read the full news release here.

  • News for the Week of May 31

    Share News for the Week of May 31 on Facebook Share News for the Week of May 31 on Twitter Share News for the Week of May 31 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of May 31 link

    News highlights for the week of May 31.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 597 positive cases reported as of June 4. DOH reported a total of 403,882 confirmed cases as of June 2. There have been 5,821 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. As of May 31, more than 7,071,595 doses of vaccine have been given across the state and 54% of people in Washington 16+ are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and nearly 63% of people 16+ have received at least one dose. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    June 4 Situation Report. Highlights and information from the 65th week of the City’s response to the pandemic available here.

    Vaccine News

    King County COVID-19 Vaccine Data At-a-Glance. Page updated daily here.

    Need vaccine support? Call the DOH support line 1-833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

    DOH launches mobile vaccination service to support community organizations and increase vaccine access. On June 1st, the Washington State Department of Health launched a new mobile vaccine service called “Care-A-Van” that will deliver vaccines to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Visit the Care-A-Van page on the DOH website for more information.

    Resources

    New webpage: At home COVID-19 tests. King County as added a new webpage that provides information and resources for rapid, over-the-counter testing that can be done at home. Follow this link to visit the page.

    Supporting survivors of domestic violence during COVID-19. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a substantial rise in the incidence of domestic violence in King County. Social distancing and other efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 over the last year have escalated the risk of violence for survivors through more time spent at home, increased levels of household stress, and compromised access to advocacy and direct support systems. Read the full post on the Public Health Insider blog.


    Last Call…

    COVID-19 Vaccines: Just the Facts! (Part 4). King County Public Health’s question answering campaign continues with Part 4 where officials answer more of your burning vaccine questions. Click here for the latest.

    Washington to offer vaccination incentives. The state announced a suite of new incentives to help encourage unvaccinated Washingtonians to get the COVID shot. The Washington State Lottery will be conducting a “Shot of a Lifetime” giveaway series during the month of June to offer different prizes to vaccinated individuals. Follow this link to learn more.

  • News for the Week of May 24

    Share News for the Week of May 24 on Facebook Share News for the Week of May 24 on Twitter Share News for the Week of May 24 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of May 24 link

    News highlights for the week of May 24.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 593 positive cases reported as of May 28. DOH reported a total of 399,710 confirmed cases as of May 26. There have been 5,754 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. As of May 22, more than 6,749,266 doses of vaccine have been given across the state. More than 50% of people in Washington 16+ are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and nearly 61% of people 16+ have received at least one dose. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    May 24 Statement from the Washington State DOH. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is aware of reports of a small number of cases of myocarditis or pericarditis in some patients, post-vaccination. Further investigation is needed to determine if these cases are connected in any way to COVID-19 vaccines. Read the statement or follow this link for more information from the CDC.

    Gov. updates Healthy Washington proclamation, announces safe workers proclamation. Gov. Jay Inslee extended the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery emergency proclamation, Proclamation 20-25.13. The governor also issued new worker protections that safeguard employees who wish to get vaccinated, or who are in isolation or quarantine, from adverse action by their employer. Read the full news release here.

    Situation Reports. The City has moved to monthly Situation Reports (SitReps), available the first Friday of the month. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of June 4. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Information for Businesses

    Federal grants for shuttered venue operators and restaurants still open. The U.S. Small Business Administration is currently operating two grant programs – the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. You can continue to find information about available federal and state grant and loan programs on the Washington State Department of Commerce’s business grants page at commercegrants.com.

    Let’s Get Down to Business: Business leaders weigh in on back-to-work plans. If you own a business or are involved in employer back-to-work plans, you may be thinking about how to conduct business in the future. Check out a webinar recording to learn the top tips for office transitions from Washington state business experts by clicking here.

    Mask and Distancing Requirements Are Changing: Key COVID-19 Updates for Fully Vaccinated Workers (May 21, 2021). Updated state COVID-19 workplace safety and health guidance from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries will help employers adapt masking policies to meet new CDC guidelines Gov. Jay Inslee adopted. Read the full fact sheet here.

    Vaccine News

    King County COVID-19 Vaccine Data At-a-Glance. Page updated daily here.

    Need vaccine support? Call the DOH support line 1-833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

    Resources. Find COVID-19 vaccine near you: Updated flyer with map showing no appointment needed vaccination sites. COVID-19 Vaccines: A Community Conversation: Watch a panel discussion hosted by Naisha Williams - Lead for COVID Vaccination in BIPOC Communities for Public Health - Seattle & King County and Q&A with local leaders. Questions addressed include but not limited to: Why should I trust that COVID vaccines are safe? What's the difference between the different available vaccines? Where can I get vaccinated? What can I do differently once I'm vaccinated. Black Health Matters - Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle: Resources and guide about vaccination for the Black community. COVID-19 Vaccine: Muslim FAQs - Muslim Community and Neighborhood Association: Recording of a panel with local Imams, the Washington State Secretary of Health and other public health experts answering questions about COVID-19 vaccine.

    Resources

    Updated Guidance. Weddings, Funerals, and Events - COVID-19 Requirements

    Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.

    COVID-19 Reporting

    SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough surveillance and case information resource. This weekly report provides data and criteria on fully vaccinated people who test positive with SARS-CoV-2 but may or may not develop COVID-19 symptoms. Read the full May 26 report here.

    Last Call…

    COVID-19 Vaccines: Just the Facts! (Part 3). What's in the vaccine? The third installment in King County’s series with the real answers to real myths about the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for the County’s responses to common questions.

  • May 24 Statement from the Washington State DOH

    Share May 24 Statement from the Washington State DOH on Facebook Share May 24 Statement from the Washington State DOH on Twitter Share May 24 Statement from the Washington State DOH on Linkedin Email May 24 Statement from the Washington State DOH link
    This news article has been archived.

    The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is aware of reports of a small number of cases of myocarditis or pericarditis in some patients, post-vaccination. Further investigation is needed to determine if these cases are connected in any way to COVID-19 vaccines.

    Health care providers in Washington, Idaho and Oregon have been notified about this issue so they can be ready to quickly identify symptoms if more cases occur.

    Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart tissue, and is usually caused by a viral infection. Symptoms include chest pain, abnormal heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the thin, saclike tissue surrounding the heart.

    DOH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local public health, and healthcare providers in our state to gather data and other information about these incidents.

    Visit the DOH Newsroom for all news releases.

  • News for the Week of May 17

    Share News for the Week of May 17 on Facebook Share News for the Week of May 17 on Twitter Share News for the Week of May 17 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of May 17 link

    News highlights for the week of May 17.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 587 positive cases reported as of May 21. DOH reported a total of 392,754 confirmed cases as of May 19. There have been 5,690 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. As of May 17, more than 6.4m doses of vaccine have been given across the state. More than 47% of people in Washington 16+ are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and more than 59% of people 16+ have received at least one dose. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    What You Need to Know About King County’s Mask Directive for Indoor Spaces. From King County’s Public Health Insider Blog: With local COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates decreasing but still at elevated levels, King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin has issued an updated Directive strongly urging all residents, fully vaccinated or not, to continue wearing face masks in public indoor settings. Click here to read on.

    Governor Issues Updated Healthy Washington and Safe Workers Proclamations. On Friday, the Governor issued an extension of the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery emergency proclamation (Proclamation 20-25.13). Additionally, the governor issued new worker protections that safeguard employees who wish to get vaccinated, or who are in isolation or quarantine, from adverse action by their employer (Proclamation 21-08).

    State’s vaccine outreach shifts from mass vaccination sites to mobile vaccination clinics. After a successful four-month run, DOH is transitioning the state-led mass vaccination effort from stationary sites to mobile vaccination clinics. This new phase of vaccine outreach will help the state reach people who have experienced barriers in vaccine access and help distribute life-saving shots more equitably and conveniently across the state of Washington. Read the full news release here.

    Vaccine Pop-Up Clinics this weekend. Want to get vaccinated this weekend? See a list of vaccination pop-ups happening through Sunday (5/22), no registration required! For the most up to date information and for more on getting vaccinated, visit kingcounty.gov/vaccine

    Situation Reports. The City has moved to monthly Situation Reports (SitReps), available the first Friday of the month. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of June 4. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Vaccine News

    King County COVID-19 Vaccine Data At-a-Glance. Page updated daily here.

    Need vaccine support? The DOH has a new support line. Call 1-833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

    School News

    School testing program will now include funding for screening tests. DOH, in conjunction with Health Commons Project, is making it easier for schools across the state to do both diagnostic testing and screening testing for COVID-19. New funding will allow districts and schools the option to add screening tests to their COVID-19 testing strategy if they choose. Read the full news release here.

    Resources

    King County's Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance Program is now available for tenants. On May 18, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the next phase of the Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP). Last year, it kept more than 9,000 residents in their homes. With three times more funding this year, EPRAP will help thousands more.

    COVID-19 Reporting

    DOH will not update the Data Dashboard this weekend. Due to scheduled maintenance, we will not update the COVID-19 Data Dashboard on the weekend of May 22–May 23. We will include data from those days in total case and hospitalization counts for Monday, May 24.

  • What You Need to Know About King County’s Mask Directive for Indoor Spaces

    Share What You Need to Know About King County’s Mask Directive for Indoor Spaces on Facebook Share What You Need to Know About King County’s Mask Directive for Indoor Spaces on Twitter Share What You Need to Know About King County’s Mask Directive for Indoor Spaces on Linkedin Email What You Need to Know About King County’s Mask Directive for Indoor Spaces link
    This news article has been archived.
    supporting image

    Last week the CDC updated its mask guidance for fully vaccinated people, this week King County's Public Health Official issued an updated mask directive for the county. Here's what you need to know.

    From King County’s Public Health Insider Blog:

    With local COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates decreasing but still at elevated levels, King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin has issued an updated Directive strongly urging all residents, fully vaccinated or not, to continue wearing face masks in public indoor settings.

    Last week, on May 13, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new guidance that people who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks for most activities.

    While the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced state guidelines consistent with the CDC, both CDC and DOH highlight that mask policies should take into account local COVID-19 circumstances and requirements. Today’s Directive that applies to King County takes into account these local conditions.

    Summary of the indoor mask directive available in 35 languages

    Frequently Asked Questions on masks page updated to include information on the indoor mask directive

    We asked Dr. Duchin to weigh-in on some key questions about the Directive.

    Can you tell us more about the Directive: Why are you issuing it now?

    Public Health—Seattle & King County is issuing this Directive to help us all stay safer until our community is more protected from the virus.

    Our community has made great progress with our vaccination rates, particularly for older adults, but rates are lower in many others and vary by age, neighborhood, race and ethnicity. We want to avoid an increase in people who are unvaccinated without masks in indoor settings at a time when we have substantial COVID-19 activity in the community.

    We know the strategy of masking by everyone in indoor public spaces has been working well and can help us stay protected until disease rates are lower and more people are vaccinated.

    Why should I be wearing a mask in indoor public spaces if I’m fully vaccinated?

    We agree that COVID-19 vaccines give high protection against infection and spreading the virus to others, and unvaccinated people are the ones at risk to acquire and spread COVID-19.

    In stores and other public spaces, if we say only unvaccinated people need to wear a mask, we have no way to know who is vaccinated and who isn’t, and it’s impractical for businesses to determine that.

    If unvaccinated people do not wear masks, the risk for COVID-19 spread increases. So, from a practical and community health perspective, the most reliable way to ensure everyone is safe is for everyone to wear a face mask for a few more weeks, until we get vaccination rates higher and disease rates lower.

    What does it mean for a King County resident?

    The CDC and DOH guidance require unvaccinated people to wear masks when in indoor public spaces. This Directive, in addition, strongly urges everyone – vaccinated and unvaccinated – who is five years and older to continue wearing face coverings in indoor public spaces. This means that whenever someone enters a public building – including retail, grocery stores, restaurants, government buildings – they should wear a mask to protect themselves and others.

    In addition to the local Directive, Washington state continues to require everyone age five and older in schools, child care settings, public transportation, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and health care settings such as doctor’s offices, long-term care, and hospitals to also wear well-fitted masks.

    For anyone who is not fully vaccinated, the State Department of Health Order also remains in effect: People who are not fully vaccinated are required “to wear a face covering in any indoor public setting, or when outdoors and unable to maintain six feet of physical distance from others.”

    For many of us who’ve been wearing masks in public, this King County Directive should not change our behavior. It continues the guidance and policies that were working well for our community from before the CDC’s update last week.

    The Directive will remain in effect until 70% or more of King County residents 16 years of age and older are fully vaccinated. Someone is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second shot (or in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, their first shot). We’re hopeful that we’ll achieve this goal in late June.

    Why are we not immediately adopting CDC guidance?

    There are a few important factors.

    Rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are falling but remain elevated in King County. When COVID-19 rates are high, it’s more likely that people will come in contact with someone who is infected who is not wearing a mask. If rates continue to go down, lower levels of COVID-19 will make it safer for everyone.

    Also, large segments of our population are not yet fully vaccinated.

    The CDC’s guidance is based on the fact that COVID-19 vaccines work incredibly well, and the science absolutely shows that vaccines provide strong protection. In fact, COVID-19 vaccines not only protect the person vaccinated, but because they decrease the risk of spreading the infection as well, they protect the community.

    However, there is no easy way to know who has been vaccinated in public spaces. This means that both unvaccinated and vaccinated people would likely have close contact, without masks, in indoor settings. With current rates of COVID-19 circulating and because large numbers of people are not vaccinated yet, including many frontline workers, the risk of COVID-19 spread in indoor settings could increase.

    This problem is made worse when considering people who are still vulnerable to getting COVID-19. This includes unvaccinated children younger than 12, many 12-15-year-olds and younger to middle-aged adults who have not had as much time to be vaccinated, and the tens of thousands of people in King County who are immuno-compromised and may not be fully protected through vaccination.

    For these reasons, I believe it is clearly in our community’s best interest to temporarily continue doing what has been working well for us, until we have higher vaccine coverage and less COVID-19 spread.

    The CDC clarified that ending indoor mask mandates should be linked to local circumstances and requirements. What do our disease and vaccination rates tell you?

    In King County, we have just recently had a fourth wave of infections and hospitalizations. Currently, we have substantial or high levels of COVID-19 transmission among many of our communities.

    While our vaccination rates are very encouraging with 70% of eligible people having received one or more doses and more than 50% being fully vaccinated, our COVID-19 vaccination rates and risks vary by age, race, ethnicity, and geography. This raises equity concerns. Because of living and working conditions, not everyone has had the same access to the vaccines. By allowing a bit more time for everyone to get vaccinated, we will have greater community protection for everyone.

    Since Washington state and King County have different mask guidance, what should I follow?

    All local jurisdictions have the authority and responsibility to implement stronger guidance based on that county’s needs. In King County, we’ve determined that ending the indoor mask mandate would likely lead to preventable COVID-19 spread primarily among the unvaccinated.

    Residents of King County and King County businesses should follow our King County guidance and comply with this directive.

    Other counties in Washington also have local mask guidance.

    Are there spaces where the Directive does not apply?

    This Directive applies only to indoor spaces that are open to the public. It does not apply to indoor spaces that are generally closed to the public, including private businesses, offices, and other places of employment.

    Employers should continue to follow current guidance and requirements from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries on worker safety.

    This Directive also does not apply to outdoor places. When outdoors, masks are not required as long as a distance of six feet is maintained from people who are not from the same household. Please follow current Washington state guidance on the use of masks outdoors.

    What should businesses and employees know about this directive?

    I strongly encourage all businesses that are open to the public, including grocery stores and other retail settings, to continue implementing policies and practices to ensure that their customers and employees wear face coverings. Businesses have the authority to continue to require people to wear masks in their establishments. If you need signage, you can find some on our King County webpages, along with tips for getting a snug fit.

    It is also a good idea to take steps to improve indoor ventilation & air quality to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in indoor settings.

    Washington state issues guidance that governs how employers are required to protect employees’ health. Employees with disabilities or other underlying medical conditions that make masks necessary for their health can request accommodations.

    What is the difference between a Directive and an Order?

    A Directive calls for voluntary compliance, which has been our main strategy to contain COVID-19. An Order would require enforcement or penalties. This Directive is consistent with the education-based approach we’ve taken throughout the pandemic and which has worked well thanks to the support of our residents and businesses.

    In addition to complying with the Directive, how can individuals help slow the spread of COVID-19?

    It is critical we recognize that the pandemic is not over. There is a real possibility that we could see increases in COVID-19 activity in the coming months, particularly in areas where fewer people have been vaccinated.

    So now, the most important thing you can do for yourself and for your community is to get vaccinated and continue wearing a mask in public spaces for just a while longer. I know it’s tough and we all desperately want to return to something resembling normal. Let’s not give up yet!

    Originally published May 20, 2021