Clark County mask mandates in effect despite new guidance from the CDC

Indoor mask mandates remain in effect in Clark County despite new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that say such measures are no longer recommended in the county.

“While CDC recommendations may have changed, we’re still under that mandate, and masks will be required indoors until it is lifted,” said Clark County Public Health spokesperson Marissa Armstrong. “Those new recommendations provided by the CDC will be helpful after the mandate is lifted to help people make decisions about what to do based on their counties risk level.”

Clark County has been deemed medium risk by the CDC. Guidance for medium risk counties includes staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, getting tested if you have symptoms and wearing a mask if you are at high risk for severe illness.

Indoor masking is only recommended by the CDC in high risk counties. Cowlitz County is listed as high risk.

Washington’s indoor mask mandate remains in effect until March 21, meaning masks will still be required in all indoor public settings until then unless the state changes its stance.

“Our office and our state Department of Health are reviewing the updated guidance from the CDC and evaluating their data, metrics and approach,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a news release. “March 21 remains the current date for ending the state’s indoor mask requirements, and we’ll have more to say next week.”