Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Of Commerce - Community News : [Update] Mask Rules Are Back And They Impact Your Business

Seattle WA

28 July, 2021

1:27 PM

Description

Press release from the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce - Community News: Editorial Staff 07/28/2021 Read the latest from Public Health - Seattle & King County COVID-19 infections have been on a concerning rise in King County since June 29, largely due to the spread of the more contagious delta variant and increasing activities as restrictions have been lifted. Over 95% of the infections are among unvaccinated people. Concerning trends in increased cases, hospitalizations, and outbreaks have led Dr. Jeff Duchin to issue an updated health officer Directive for King County. This updated directive, effective July 26, reflects the new guidance that strongly recommends King County residents 5 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in indoor public settings. This extra layer of protection is intended for settings like grocery stores, restaurants, retail, theaters, and entertainment establishments, where people can enter freely. Washington state already requires unvaccinated people to wear masks in indoor public settings, although in stores and other public spaces there is no practical way to know who is and who is not vaccinated. For this reason, universal masking is a simple, effective, and reliable way to help us all stay safer as we monitor the current increasing trends. All businesses and organizations should continue to follow current guidance and requirements from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries on worker safety, including the requirement to post their masking policy. More information for businesses and organizations can be found on Public Health's Safe Reopening and Masking Guidance web pages. The most important way to protect yourself and your community is to get vaccinated. Vaccines continue to provide high-level protection against what's most important: serious infections with hospitalization and deaths. Vaccination is our best defense against COVID-19. Vaccines are now widely available at most pharmacies, public vaccination sites, and many doctor's offices. COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge to everyone and medical insurance is not required. This press release was produced by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce - Community News. The views expressed here are the author's own.