Face coverings required in Grant County facilities

EPHRATA — Face masks will be required for all people entering a Grant County facility. County commissioners announced Tuesday that members of the public will be prohibited from entering county facilities if they are not wearing a mask.

The requirement went into effect Tuesday. Notices will be posted at all county facilities.

The state made masks mandatory in public spaces Friday.

Commissioner Cindy Carter said Tuesday morning during a meeting of the commissioners, other elected officials and department heads, that county officials will follow the rules established by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

At the meeting, Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant asked if county employees could ask people to leave the office if they weren’t wearing a mask. Commissioners Tom Taylor and Richard Stevens said people could be asked to leave.

Pheasant asked about supplying masks for people who don’t have them, but Taylor said it’s up to county residents to supply their own.

Stevens said most people, by this time, have a mask or other face covering. If a person isn’t wearing one, or refuses to wear one, they’ll be turned away, Stevens said.

County employees already were required to wear masks when they can’t meet social distancing guidelines. Masks also will be required when employees are walking in hallways and working in common spaces.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].