Masks now required in public

Public health officer issues masking order

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Public Health Officer Tom Locke issued a masking directive May 28 requiring all individuals in Jefferson County to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when they are at indoor and outdoor public locations and cannot maintain a 6-foot distance from others.

Because of the shortage of medical-grade or N95 respirators for health-care workers, individuals should use fabric face coverings, such as cloth face masks, scarves and bandanas, he said. 

“COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets and aerosols,” Locke wrote in a press release. “Cloth facial masks are an effective way of trapping the respiratory droplets and aerosols and preventing the spread of respiratory infections, including coronavirus.” 

But to be effective, a high percentage of people must wear masks while in public places, he said. 

“Some people mistakenly believe that masks are purely a personal choice,” he said. “This is a dangerously mistaken and self-centered belief. The main function of the mask is to protect other people from you, not to protect you from other people.”

Those who are sick, must stay home. But some people can carry the coronavirus without experiencing symptoms. 

“Arguing that you have a right not to wear a mask when in close proximity to others is arguing that you have the right to expose them to an infection that can have deadly consequences,” he wrote. 

The directive also asks owners and operators of businesses to require customers to wear masks inside their business. This does not apply to restaurants, bars, or taverns while customers are eating or drinking. 

Businesses, ports and marinas in Jefferson County must also post notice at entry points indicating that wearing cloth face masks is required inside businesses in Jefferson County. These notices must be posted no later than seven days after Jefferson County begins full implementation of Phase 2 of the governor’s “Safe Start” plan for reopening. 

Jefferson County will move into the full Phase 2 — with the exception of overnight camping — on June 1, the same day that both Clallam and Kitsap counties will have moved to Phase 2. 

Requiring face masks is not a replacement for social distancing and hand washing protocols, according to Locke’s directive. 

In addition, face masks must be worn properly to be effective. Before putting on a mask and after removing a mask, an individual should clean their hands with alcohol-based hand rub, or soap and water. While in use, avoid touching the mask. Masks should be changed and washed in between use. 

Face masks are not required for children under the age of 2; children between the ages of 2 and 12 unless supervised by a parent; individuals who are unable to remove face masks without assistance; individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and rely on facial and mouth movements for communication; and individuals who have been advised by a medical professional that wearing a face covering may pose a risk to their health. 

Read more in the June 3 edition of The Leader.