Washington businesses will turn away customers without face coverings

During a press conference Thursday, Governor Jay Inslee announced new emergency actions to help slow the spread of COVID-19 including mandated face masks, new restrictions for bars, and a two-week pause on applications to move phases in the Safe Start Plan.

The announcement comes six days after Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman revealed a statewide order calling for the mandatory use of face masks in Washington which requires people to don face coverings when they are in public areas where proper distancing cannot be maintained.

The new restrictions go into effect on Tuesday and requires restaurants and retail stores to turn people away if they refuse to don face coverings — those with medical conditions are exempt.

According to the CDC, masks should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction, and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to its shape.

• See also: 
  • Here are three ways to make CDC-approved cloth face masks
  • Face masks will be mandatory in Washington State starting today
  • A tea shop in Fremont asked patrons to remove their masks upon entering