School, Town policies lifting mask mandate

On again, off again.

That’s the way it has been for the past two years in terms of indoor mask mandates designed to help stop spread of the coronavirus.

In Washington state, the off button will be pushed March 12 instead of March 21, a decision announced by Gov. Jay Inslee and the governors of California and Oregon Monday, Feb. 28.

Local entities are given latitude as to when and where masks can still be required. Town governments can require masks for their employees and inside their buildings. The Town of La Conner policy, however, will emphasize personal choice.

“We will encourage people to wear masks in town facilities after that date, but will not require it,” Town Administrator Scott Thomas told the Weekly News Thursday.

Thomas expects the town council to decide soon on conducting strictly Zoom meetings.

“Hopefully, we’re winding down on COVID restrictions to some extent,” he said during last week’s virtual council session. “We’ll likely have a hybrid meeting for our second meeting in March, but the first meeting in March will still be on Zoom.”

The La Conner School District is likewise responding to the change in statewide facial covering standards.

“Masks will still be required on school buses per a federal mandate that requires masks to be worn on all forms of public transportation,” Superintendent Will Nelson explained in a Feb. 23statement.

Similarly to the town, masks will be encouraged in school buildings but not required.

“Staff and students will have the choice to wear a mask at school, with the expectation that others’ choices are respected,” Nelson said. “We shouldn’t make assumptions regarding someone’s beliefs or health status, nor should we comment on them.”

Until the mask mandate is lifted, La Conner schools will continue requiring masks for students, staff and visitors and provide masks for those who do not have them.

Nelson praised parents, family, and the public for having shown patience and flexibility during the pandemic.

Thomas and Mayor Ramon Hayes echoed that sentiment.

“Let’s face it,” said Hayes, “there have been some extremely difficult times under COVID-19.”

Perhaps relief is in sight, though.

“Public health modeling indicates that cases and hospitalizations from COVID-19 will continue decreasing over the coming weeks, dropping to rates similar to last summer,” Nelson said. “The decision to remove the statewide mask requirement was based on the best science and research available, as well as our experience and preparation to continue combating this virus.”