On May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities – large or small – without wearing a mask. Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced full alignment with the CDC masking guidance, and provided for businesses to retain the right to require customers and employees to wear masks. 

At King County, our existing mask mandate for employees remains in force while we review and update our policy guidance.

Under our Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy, “Employees must wear a mask when they cannot maintain a distance of six feet from others, and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when whenever possible indoors.” This temporary policy applies to all Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County government will receive guidance from their leaders.

Many of our fully vaccinated employees will continue to be required to wear masks under the CDC’s new guidance due to the nature of their work. This includes employees in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, schools, public transportation, long-term care, and healthcare settings. Prevention measures are still recommended for unvaccinated people.

We will provide further updates once they are available. Thank you.