Department of Health highlights importance of face coverings

OLYMPIA — State officials on Monday again asked Washingtonians to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

John Wiesman, Washington’s secretary of health, urged people who had been in large crowds — as in protest demonstrations — to isolate themselves at home for 14 days. That’s how long it can take to develop symptoms of COVID-19. He also urged anyone with symptoms to get tested for the virus.

Officials with DOH also emphasized the importance of wearing face coverings as, according to Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start” plan, starting Monday all employees are required to wear a cloth face covering, mask, or respirator depending on their type of work. There are some exceptions, including when working alone in certain settings, when a job has no in-person interaction, and for people with a medical condition or disability that makes wearing a face covering inappropriate, according to DOH press release.

The department also encouraged businesses to require customers to wear cloth face coverings.

“COVID-19 continues to be a very real threat,” said Wiesman. “Consistently wearing an appropriate cloth face covering in public is a simple and important way you can protect others.”

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets people expel when they cough, sneeze or speak. The risk of spreading disease is especially high in situations where a physical distance of six feet cannot be maintained.

“During a pandemic, no single action will stop the spread of the virus,” said State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy. “In addition to consistently using cloth face coverings when they leave home, people must continue to wash their hands often with soap and water, stay home if they feel sick, and stay six feet away from others whenever possible.”

Cloth face coverings worn by the public when not at work do not need to be complicated or expensive, DOH said. Using a breathable, washable fabric that comfortably and adequately covers the mouth and nose also leaves medical masks and respirators for health care workers and others in high-risk settings, DOH said.