06/05/2020
Important Notice:
The Benton Franklin Health District office is directing people in the Tri-Cities area to wear face coverings in public.
Dr. Amy Person issued the directive that takes effect Monday June 8th.
The local directive is in addition to a State order enforced by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries requiries employees of businesses in the State of Washington to wear masks when interacting with other employees or customers. The State order also starts June 8th.
The Tri-Cities area directive will apply to indoor public places, including grocery stores and other business, as well as outdoor settings such as farmers markets where maintaining six feet of distance may be difficult.
It is similar to directives issued in Yakima, Spokane, King, Thurston, San Juan & Whatcom counties. Some of them before successfully applying to the State to move to Phase 2, Dr. Person said.
She is urging people to wear non medical masks that cover both their nose and mouth. Cloth masks, scarves and bandanas are acceptable coverings.
