This week, Skagit County moved from ‘High’ to ‘Substantial’ for our transmission levels.
Please note: This graphic uses the CDC COVID-19 transmission level maps, found here: https://bit.ly/3C6sWhF. This map only looks at the new COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 persons over the past 7 days.
Another new tool, the CDC Community Levels by County map, is found here: https://bit.ly/3ICCoLV. This map was introduced last Friday and looks at the following metrics to arrive at the status by county:
- New COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 persons over the past 7 days
- Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients
- Total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 persons over the past 7 days
Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate Lifting March 12th
Governor Inslee announced yesterday the statewide mask mandate will be lifted a bit earlier than previously stated. The mandate will now lift at midnight on Saturday, March 12th. At this time, masks will no longer be required in indoor locations such as restaurants, grocery stores, malls, public-facing offices, K-12 schools, and childcare locations throughout the state.
The lifting of the mask mandate will not include certain indoor settings considered to be at high-risk for disease spread including healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and correctional facilities.
Following the lifting of the mandate, Washingtonians can continue to wear a mask if they so choose. This goes for businesses, as well, who will retain the right to choose stricter masking requirements if desired.
Please note that state policies do not change federal requirements, which still include masks on public transit.