Business Mandated to Require Masks

Businesses Now Responsible For Patrons

Less than a week after mandating that every Washington State resident wear masks in public spaces, Governor Inslee proclaimed that businesses would be responsible for the people that patronize their stores and restaurants. 

Under this July 2nd proclamation, businesses may not serve any customer, services or goods, if they do not comply with the state-wide face covering order.  This order took effect on July 7th.

Previous Proclamations 

Earlier, the governor had mandated the use of face masks for all businesses and their patrons.  Invoking the State of Emergency Powers (Washington State code RCW 43.06.220), the governor ordered Secretary of Health John Wiesman to establish guidelines for all to follow. 

The guidelines state, “Every person in Washington State must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when in any indoor or outdoor public setting…” The only exemptions being given are to children younger than 5 years old, persons with a medical or mental condition, or a person with a disability that prevents them from wearing the mask. 

Possible Consequences

Members of the public are required by law to comply with this order, and violators may be subject to criminal penalties. 

A release from the Governor’s office states that a violation by an employer could carry a penalty of nearly $10,000 or more. Individuals not following the Department of Health order on face coverings may be subject to a misdemeanor charge with a fine of up to $100 and/or up to 90 days in county jail per offense.

What’s In A Mask?

The guidelines state that a proper face mask is one that covers both the nose and mouth. It can be:

  • A sewn mask secured with ties or straps around the head or behind the ears
  • Multiple layers of fabric tied around the head
  • Made from a variety of materials, such as fleece, cotton
  • Factory-made or made from household items

Sources

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Ronald R Baird

Ronald Ray Baird was born September 9, 1946 to Thomas and Laverne (Brown) Baird in Newton, KS. He passed away January 22, 2025 at his beloved home on the Pend Oreille River, near Usk, WA. Ron grew up in a rough and tumble home, the 4th of 5 brothers, Dick, Steve, Herb, Ron, and Mike. Ron attended and graduated from Remington High School in 1965. While there, he lettered in football (#60) and was selected as an all-league lineman.

Read More »

Gallery: Miss Deer Park 2025 Elegance & Achievement

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

Return to “Normal” ?

If I never have to type the words “COVID Update” again, it will be too soon. The endless press briefings and long winded speeches by our leaders, as well as the biting opinions in the national news and social media, has made me rather desire to self isolate in a far deeper fashion.

Read More »

Subscribe to our emails

Use the form below to sign up to receive news via email at no cost to you.

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.