Island Senior: Wearing Masks

As of March 12, Washington State has relaxed mask requirements. According to the Washington State Department of Health, “Decreasing rates of infection and hospitalizations, and high vaccination rates have allowed us to move into a new recovery phase of the pandemic.”

That said, the March 11 media release from San Juan County reports 23 new confirmed cases on San Juan Island. They go on to say, “we should remember that the masks we wore dramatically reduced disease spread by protecting both ourselves and those around us.” Mask wearing has also kept us from getting common colds and the flu — good reasons in my opinion to keep our masks handy.

Healthcare facilities and transportation systems with federal requirements including ferries and air travel will still require masks. Local businesses and organizations may require or encourage wearing masks. San Juan Island Food Co-op will have “Masked Mornings” where masking will be required every day between 10 and 11 a.m. Mask policies are now generally up to individual businesses or organizations.

The Mullis Center remains cautious stating, “Although the Washington State masking requirement was lifted on March 12, the Mullis Center will be maintaining mask requirements at the center through the end of March. We are taking extra precautions as we serve a vulnerable population and in response to the steady infection rate on San Juan Island.”

It is up to us as individuals to navigate where we feel both safe ourselves and socially responsible to our community. Stay informed and if you are not sure what to do ask a health professional.

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