Indoor mask mandate ends statewide March 21

Wearing masks indoors will no longer be mandated by Gov. Jay Inslee come March 21, he announced last week. That decision is based on the data, showing dropping hospitalization rates, improving vaccination rates, and broad access to masks and tests, he said at a Feb. 17 news conference.

Face masks will no longer be required in most settings, including K-12 schools and childcare facilities. Masks will still be required in health care settings such as hospitals, outpatient and dental offices, long term care settings and correctional facilities. In addition, beginning March 1, vaccine verification...