What are the current rules for wearing masks in public facilities in Tacoma?
This story has been updated with additional information from the City of Tacoma.
On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee recommended Washingtonians wear masks indoors whether vaccinated or not, citing concerns over the delta variant and a “fifth wave” of COVID-19.
The recommendation is not a legal requirement.
Right now in Tacoma, people who are not vaccinated are recommended by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to wear masks indoors. People who are vaccinated do not have to wear masks indoors, but it is recommended.
City of Tacoma employees who enter City-owned facilities unmasked must have provided proof to their supervisors that they are fully vaccinated. Those who have not provided proof of vaccination must remain masked, said city spokesperson Maria Lee.
The City has not asked for vaccination status from members of the public, or monitored what members of the public do with regard to masking, Lee said.
For example, if someone walked into City Hall without a mask, it would be assumed they’re vaccinated.
“The City of Tacoma is evaluating the latest recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Washington State Department of Health and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, to determine how those recommendations will apply to City employees and members of the public, when in City-owned facilities,” Lee said in an email.
Earlier this week, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, along with other county health officials, recommended people wear facial coverings indoors in public settings when they don’t know the vaccination status of those around them.
People are still required to wear masks in certain places, including health care settings, child care facilities, camps, K-12 schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and on public transportation, according to TPCHD.
The County-City Building continues to require masks only for those who are unvaccinated, spokesperson Erin Babbo said.
If you’re using one of Metro Parks Tacoma’s indoor community centers, masks are still required indoors for guests ages 5 and older who are not fully vaccinated. Masks are encouraged for fully-vaccinated guests.
It was not immediately clear Wednesday morning if city leadership was contemplating a change following Inslee’s announcement.
This story was originally published July 28, 2021 at 12:07 PM.
