July 7 marks Washington's statewide protocol, "No Mask, No Service." The rule prohibits businesses from selling goods and providing services to customers who are unmasked.
It will be business as usual for many establishments across the state, just with the law behind them.
Some establishment owners have found it hard to tell their patrons off whenever they don't follow specific protocols. The new rule ensures that customers are mindful enough to wear protective equipment for themselves and especially for the other people around them.
In Clallam County, officials saw two additional coronavirus positive cases over the weekend but were unrelated to outbreaks at the Olympic Medical Center or Serenity House. Clallam County Health Officer Dr. Allison Unthank said that an additional 200 to 300 COVID-19 tests would be carried out this week as part of the two previous outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is proud to collaborate with the Clallam County Emergency Operations Center in providing free cloth masks to the public.
With the county's efforts in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, officials are hopeful that they would see fewer outbreaks in the days to come.
No Mask? No Service
Going into implementing the "No Mask, No Service" rule, Washington governor Jay Inslee said last week that the decree was not an optional plan for businesses, but a legal requirement.
Dr. Tom Locke, Jefferson County health officer, clarified that while some people might have valid medical reasons for not wearing masks, he explained that businesses have other options such as curbside pickup or home delivery services.
Gov. Inslee also said that people with medical conditions that make wearing a mask difficult for them are exempt from the rule. They don't have to specify what their condition is in particular, he said.
Furthermore, he also recommends having someone who can wear a mask shop for those who can't do it themselves. He says people who do not wear masks will get away with whatever they want to do. There is no constitutional right to infect other people, Locke says.
Masks for Free at the North Olympic Library System
Library officials said this week that NOLS recognizes that masks are not easily accessible to many individuals in the community. During this time, when masks are required in public spaces, people must have access to this essential personal protection equipment.
In a corner above the tabletop, a note writes, "Masks are available to everyone while supplies last; please take only what you need for yourself and family." Below is a basket full of black cloth face masks ready for anyone to take.
Masks are made available at the Sequim, Forks, Port Angeles, and Clallam Bay branches during curbside service hours, while supplies last. Curbside service is available at all offices from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., on weekdays, and at Sequim, Port Angeles, and Forks branches on Saturdays from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Library administrators encourage all patrons to wear a face-covering when visiting the library to help protect employees and other people in the building.
