Cloth Face Coverings: Frequently Asked Questions
Washington State Department of HealthFollow
Jun 26 · 3 min read
Yesterday the Secretary of Health announced a public health order requiring us to wear face coverings in public. This requirement starts on Friday, June 26. We have updated information on the Department of Health website and on the Governor’s coronavirus page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a face covering?
A couple layers of any piece of cloth will do. In public settings you could use a scarf or bandana or a sewn mask with ties or straps that go around your head or behind your ears. More protective coverings may be required in your workplace.
Why do we need to wear face coverings?
As we reopen the state, we are seeing an increase in the number of people getting COVID-19. To continue reopening and at the same time keep people from getting COVID-19, we must take additional preventive actions. The emerging science on face coverings indicates that they are effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19 if we wear them consistently. And “consistently” means that all of us — even if we feel healthy — need to wear a cloth face covering in public places.
Who needs to wear a face covering?
The order requires us to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces such as stores, restaurants or offices, or when outdoors and unable to maintain six feet of distance between people. Some counties may choose to adopt stricter policies.
There are exemptions, including for people with certain disabilities or health conditions, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and children under the age of five. There are also situations when you can remove your face covering, such as when seated at a restaurant or when recreating alone.
Also, you do not need to wear a cloth face covering when you are only with people in your own household — in your own home or car, for example — or when you are outdoors and people are all far apart from one another.
Do I need to wear a cloth face covering at work?
Employees are required to wear face coverings at work, unless you are working alone. See the Department of Labor & Industries COVID-19 Workplace Safety and Health Requirements for more information.
Will my child need to wear a face covering to school?
Teachers, visitors, volunteers and students will all be required to wear face coverings in school. Students may remove their face coverings if they are outside, like during recess or physical education.
What about child care?
Children and youth age five years or older must wear cloth face coverings at child care, preschool, or day camp when indoors. Children under age two should not wear face coverings. If your child is between two and four years old, try to encourage them to wear a cloth face covering, but they are not required to by this order.
Practice compassion
The quickest way to open the state is to control the virus. Wear a cloth face covering to help your community business open up!
More information
Stay tuned to our blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.
Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact our call center at
1–800–525–0127. Hours: 6 am-10 pm, seven days a week.
Department of Health call center: 1–800–525–0127, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, seven days a week.
Please check our website for the most up-to-date info on Washington’s response to COVID-19 at www.doh.wa.gov/coronavirus.