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WASHINGTON–Indoor mask mandates will end February 18, 2022, Gov. Jay Inslee stated in a press release February 9, 2022. He acknowledged the viral condition of COVID-19 has changed, leading the State into a transition period. In addition, there is no need for the National Guard.
“We are here today to talk about our emerging transition in the ongoing efforts of COVID,” said Inslee. “Here is what I know during this period of time: We have not changed, but the virus has changed. So now we are entering a transition period, and we are here to talk about how to make that transition going forward starting today (Feb. 9, 2022),” he continued.
“Before we talk about what the next phase will look like, I would like to address where we are right now and why this transition will be beginning is appropriate,” Inslee said. “They say the last mile of a trip is the most challenging. That is the case here. We come out of the pandemic a mode of dealing with COVID.”.
He indicated that reports from around the State has shown a decline in cases and hospitalizations. He asked that we stand with our hospital workers while they catch up on other medical procedures postponed during the pandemic.
He also stated we will not need the National Guard. “That mission will be ending soon and is why we are removing our requirement that non-elective surgery be postponed. That mandate will be removed on February 17, 2022.”
Inslee indicated that over the past two years, the CDC has reported that cases have been a roller coaster, beginning in March and April of 2020. It again made an upward trend in December to January 2020, a slight increase in April and May 2021, then the Delta variant in August through September 2021. It has finally reached the greatest surge in January 2022 with the Omicron variant which started, spiked, then came over the curve with a very steep decline the first two weeks of February. It is projected that the number of cases will be minimal by the first of March.
“These are projections not absolute certainties,” said Inslee. “The good news is that we believe this wave has gone up like a rocket and will come down like a rock,” said Inslee. “In fact, that is what we are seeing now in the State of Washington…. “Omicron clearly has characteristics that will allow us to lift mitigation measures within the weeks to come rather than months.”
The outdoor masking mandate requirements will end February 18, 2022, he said. “But today is not the day to lift all the masking mandate requirements…All decisions will be based on public health.”
He stated no political force or other states’ actions will determine what he does in the State of Washington. It will be based on science as to when he will end the mandates. He agrees with the CDC that today is not the day to end the mandates, but it is rapidly drawing near.
To end all masking mandates are still being discussed and review as to when that day will come. “It is not a matter of ‘if’ but; ‘when’ that will happen. I will share that date with Washingtonians next week,” said Inslee.
