State mandate requires masks to be worn indoors

OLYMPIA — Five-year-olds are required to wear face masks inside buildings open to the public, along with everyone older than them starting Aug. 23.

Washington State Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah amended Order 20-03 on Aug. 18 to require masks inside public-accessed buildings, including grocery stores, gyms, retail stores, and community centers.

The mask mandate is regardless of vaccination status.

Outside masks are “strongly recommended” for settings such as sporting events, fairs, and concerts, when physical distancing isn’t possible, according to the state Department of Health.

“The upda...