To mask or not to mask? Indoor mask mandate ends, but not everywhere

SEATTLE — To mask or not to mask? That is the question Washingtonians will have to answer on their own beginning midnight Saturday as the state indoor mask mandate will be no more.

The end of the mask mandate is a milestone that many see differently.

“I’m really excited about it. I think it’s going to be a positive step in the right direction,” said Jackly Barnhoum.

She and Aiden Bradner said it will encourage more people to go out.

“People are done with it. They just want to see each others’ faces, smile, interact with each other socially, so, I think we’re all ready for it,” Bradner said.

At Henry’s Gymnasium, KIRO 7 heard from people who plan to keep wearing their masks.

“I’m going to be keeping my mask on anytime I’m out in public, indoors,” said Sonny Nguyen, an employee with the gym.

Starting Saturday, workers at the gym will still be required to wear masks; however, members will have the option of ditching them while they work out.

“I’m happy to see its being relaxed, (but) I will probably continue to wear mine,” a gym member said.

As for federal mask requirements, those traveling on planes, ferries, trains and buses will still need to keep one on.

“If you’re not wearing a mask the bus driver does notify you to put one on,” said Jody Allen when asked about riding public transit.

King County Metro tracks rider mask use by reviewing onboard video and said 90.4% of people wore masks on buses and shuttles in February and 100% wore masks on the water taxi.

“I will continue to mask in crowded indoor spaces,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Duchin said the drop in new cases does not mean COVID-19 is over.

“It remains very reasonable for individuals to make the choice to continue to mask in indoor settings based on their personal risk assessment and preferences,” Duchin said.

Governor Jay Inslee had originally planned to lift the mask mandate March 21 but moved the date up.

Many other states had already relaxed their rules.

“I was actually surprised since I flew in from California today that it was still in effect because California from my experience has been one of the most strict states,” Alicia Nguyen said.

TSA announced Thursday it is extending its mask mandate to April 18.

TSA said the extension is needed so the CDC can develop a policy for airplanes when it comes to COVID-19 and masking.

Masks have been blamed for recent disturbances on airplanes. According to the FAA, nearly 3/4 of airplane incidents were because of disputes over masks.

Supporters of the elimination of the mask mandate said ending it will help prevent those types of disturbances.

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