Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
PULLMAN — At least two Eastern Washington cities have instituted mask mandates for everyone entering indoor areas.
The Pullman police chief announced the new mask mandates on the city website earlier today, Tuesday, Aug. 17. It follows an announcement Monday, Aug. 16, posted to the city of Richland’s website.
“In consistency with Whitman County Department of Health and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations, masks are required in all indoor, public spaces within city of Pullman facilities, effective immediately,” Pullman Police Chief Gary wrote in a post on his city’s website.
Even those vaccinated against the Wuhan coronavirus are required to wear a mask.
Indoor locations governed by the mandate include City Hall, City Council chambers, Neill Public Library, Police Department, Pullman Aquatic and Fitness Center and the Senior Center.
The chief did not say under what City Council resolution or ordinance he is authorized to make such an announcement.
A call to Pullman City Hall regarding the action was not returned.
The Pullman announcement follows a similar website posting in Richland.
“Due to the rise in positive COVID-19 cases, the critical strain on our healthcare community and concern for our employees, city of Richland management is re-instating the face covering policy and social distancing recommendations,” the post said. “All staff, vendors, customers and visitors are asked to wear a mask when visiting an indoor City facility, regardless of vaccination status. This includes Richland City Hall, the library and community center.”
The website did not identify who “management” is or if the City Council approved of such a mandate.
A call to the Richland City Council was not returned.
Neither city posted information on penalties for violation of their new mask requirements.
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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