On again, off again.

That’s the way it has been for the past two years in terms of indoor mask mandates designed to help stop spread of the coronavirus.

In Washington state, the off button will be pushed March 12 instead of March 21, a decision announced by Gov. Jay Inslee and the governors of California and Oregon Monday, Feb. 28.

Local entities are given latitude as to when and where masks can still be required. Town governments can require masks for their employees and inside their buildings. The Town of La Conner policy, however, will emphasize personal choice.

“We will encourage pe...