Washington State Department of Health News Release March 2023
Masking requirements in healthcare, long-term care, and correctional facilities to end April 3
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue downward trend nationwide
OLYMPIA — Effective April 3, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will end the Secretary of Health Mask Order, which currently requires universal masking in healthcare, long- term care, and adult correctional facilities for people age 5 and older.
In Washington, COVID-19, RSV, and influenza disease rates and hospitalizations have continued to decline since the end of last year. The end of Washington’s universal masking requirements aligns with similar announcement made today by the state of Oregon.
“Masks have been – and will continue to be – an important tool, along with vaccinations, to keep people healthy and safe,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “We are thankful for our health and long-term care providers, staff members, patients, and all Washingtonians, for following the important public health measures put in place during the pandemic to protect one another.”
DOH infection prevention and control guidance continues to recommend masks for patients, healthcare providers, and visitors in healthcare settings. Licensed healthcare facilities are required to have infection prevention policies and programs consistent with CDC guidance.
Several worker protection requirements enforced by the state’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) remain in effect, including that employees and contractors may choose to use facemasks or other personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job without employer retaliation. Additionally, under the state Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) rules, several key worker protections remain in place until the federal pandemic response declaration ends May 11.
The current Secretary of Health Mask Order will remain in place until 11:59pm on April 2. Local or tribal governments, facilities, and providers may choose to continue to require masks in these or other settings.
DOH will continue to issue and update COVID prevention guidance for the public and key sectors, including the use of masks, vaccines, ventilation, and other preventive measures to inform individuals, families, communities, and health leaders on how to stay healthier from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
January 2023
We continue to follow the Washington State Department of Health mandate for all Healthcare Settings to require masking until further notice.
New State Guidance for Healthcare – Effective 12/3/20:
Washington State has released some new guidelines for healthcare facilities that go into effect on December 3. These are intended to help hospitals, medical clinics and surgical centers gauge when to limit elective procedures, based on COVID-19 cases in their area, expected hospitalizations, and surge capacity.
Because physical and occupational therapy are considered an essential service, we will not have to limit our practice or close our doors due to these new restrictions.
This is because physical and occupational therapy help to:
- Restore lost function
- Reduce pain
- Avoid surgery and pain medications
However, we remain dedicated to providing treatment in the safest way possible for our patients and employees.
To that end, we continue to:
- Ensure adequate levels of PPE (personal protective equipment) in our clinics.
- Perform daily screenings of patients and staff.
- Comply with all existing guidelines regarding:
- Social distancing – 6 feet at all times unless it would interfere with providing health care, per state guidelines.
- Proper and consistent mask use – covering mouth and nose.
Patients who cannot or will not comply will be offered telehealth treatment instead of in-clinic treatment. - Frequent cleaning and sanitization.
- Only patients and employees are permitted in the clinics.
- Limit the number of patients in the waiting room at any time.
- Patients and employees who have any respiratory symptoms are not permitted in the clinic.
2020 has been an extremely challenging year for all of us, and we stand by ready to help. Our hearts go out to all of those affected by COVID-19.
7/17/2020
Per the Washington state mandate, masks are required to enter the building.
Safe, effective physical therapy treatment when you are ready.
You may have been holding off on physical therapy due to COVID-19. We want to let you know that if you’re ready to reboot your recovery, in-clinic and virtual care is always available.
- We follow all CDC guidelines to provider safe physical therapy treatment.
- All of our employees and patients must wear masks while in the clinic (some exceptions apply)
- We will take your temperature when you arrive. We also take every employee’s temperature at the beginning of each day.
- We have social distancing protocols in place.
We remain dedicated to providing safe, affordable and effective rehabilitation services to all of our patients whether it be in-clinic or through a telehealth virtual visit.