Whitman County's mask policy remains in place

COLFAX - Discussions among Whitman County commissioners continue whether they will change the mask policy for county buildings and how to do it.

Masks are required for people visiting and working in county buildings. Changing the policy has yet to be determined as commissioners explore various elements.

One issue discussed Monday at a county commissioners' workshop is relating to vaccinated and unvaccinated county employees.

"Do you think (state Labor and Industries) has done a legal review on this?" asked Commissioner Michael Largent.

Commissioner Art Swannack questioned when they may have had time to review it.

"My personal opinion is we go with the honor system," he said. "If you're vaccinated you're not required to wear a mask, if you aren't, then you wear a mask."

Commissioner Tom Handy was asked his view.

"Sometimes it doesn't seem as if the right-hand knows what the left-hand is doing," Handy said.

Whitman County Public Health Director Chris Skidmore offered some information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mask Guidance states that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or socially-distance at work unless it's at the employers' discretion, Skidmore said.

The policy would include employees signing a self-attestation of having no symptoms in the past 14 days or showing a CDC vaccination card or a photo of their card.

Swannack asked about Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) federal laws.

"Asking for proof of vaccination is not considered a HIPAA violation," Skidmore said.

"That seems to conflict with what the governor says about entering private businesses,"

said Swannack.

"If I enter a private business without a mask, I'm essentially saying I'm vaccinated," Skidmore said.

A question came up about having a log of names of vaccinated employees.

"That's essentially a medical record at that point, which would be a HIPAA violation," said Skidmore.

He added that masks are still required for everyone at health care facilities, schools, correctional facilities, and public transportation.

For vaccination statistics, according to the Washington State Public Health Department, 58% of people statewide over 16 are at least partially vaccinated. State restrictions will be lifted if the number reaches 70% before June 30.

Children ages 2+ will be eligible for the vaccine probably by late summer or fall, Skidmore said.