Health officials recommend caution with respiratory viruses, but not considering mask mandate

SEATTLE — The holidays are here, and so is the coughing and sneezing.

State health officials say RSV cases in Washington appear to be coming down from their peak.

But flu cases keep rising, and there’s still plenty of COVID.

“We’re not saying: do not gather,” said Dr. Umair Shah, the state’s health secretary. “What we’re saying instead is take steps to be smart and prevent getting sick and getting others sick.”

State health officials are concerned that just 27% of people in Washington eligible for the new bivalent booster have actually received it.

Last week, health officers for 13 counties signed a letter recommending wearing a mask indoors.

State health officials on Tuesday echoed that guidance.

Governor Jay Inslee’s office tells KIRO 7 that despite the lifting of the COVID state of emergency, the Secretary of Health still has the authority to issue a statewide mask mandate.

But Dr. Shah made it clear a mandate beyond health-care settings and jails is not being considered.

“We don’t have any plans at this point to put a statewide mask requirement in place,” Dr. Shah said.

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