Oregon, Washington And California Set Dates For Ending Mask Mandate
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Governor Kate Brown, along with Washington Governor Jay Inslee and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have issued a joint statement in lifting indoor mask mandates at 11:59 p.m. on March 11th.
The statement says the three states will be adopting new indoor mask policies and moving from mask requirements to mask recommendations in schools. However, state policies do not change federal requirements, which still include masks on public transit.
Governor Brown says, “Two years ago today, we identified Oregon’s first case of COVID-19. As has been made clear time and again over the last two years, COVID-19 does not stop at state borders or county lines. On the West Coast, our communities and economies are linked. Together, as we continue to recover from the Omicron surge, we will build resiliency and prepare for the next variant and the next pandemic. As we learn to live with this virus, we must remain vigilant to protect each other and prevent disruption to our schools, businesses, and communities––with a focus on protecting our most vulnerable and the people and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”
Governor Jay Inslee says, “We’ve continued to monitor data from our state Department of Health, and have determined we are able to adjust the timing of our statewide mask requirement. While this represents another step forward for Washingtonians, we must still be mindful that many within our communities remain vulnerable. Many businesses and families will continue choosing to wear masks, because we’ve learned how effective they are at keeping one another safe. As we transition to this next phase, we will continue to move forward together carefully and cautiously.”
The school situation in Washington is still a little unclear. Inslee says the Washington State Department of Health will be issuing new guidance for K-12 schools next week so schools can prepare to implement updated safety protocols.
