Statewide Mask Requirements

Published 6/5. Updated 6/23, 7/8


Businesses may not serve any customer who chooses not to comply with face covering requirements.

As of July 7, new requirements mean businesses must enforce the rule that that all employees and customers wear masks. The statewide order requires masks to be worn inside any building or business open to the public, outdoor public areas when six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained, and other settings.

Businesses must require customers and clients to wear masks to operate. The order means businesses deny service to anyone who enters their business without a face covering.

“We are not asking people to get into any physical confrontation,” Inslee said Tuesday. “Just do not ring up the sale.”

Read the original order for a full list of requirements and exceptions for face coverings. The order includes exceptions for individuals with certain health or medical conditions. However, businesses SHOULD NOT ask for proof or documentation.

The Office of the Governor offers best practices for business owners. This summary offers suggestions for do’s and don’ts and includes ideas for how to handle exchanges between businesses and customers.


Employees have been required to wear masks when at work. But the order now extends to all Washingtonians. With limited exceptions, masks requirements apply to everyone in public spaces as of Friday, June 26.

First, requirements state that all employees wear masks. Additionally, businesses must use signage to request that patrons wear masks.

With the new “Safe Start” plan, Gov Inslee announced new safety and health requirements for businesses as they reopen. This includes new requirements for masks or facial coverings. Beginning next Monday, June 8, all employees must wear a cloth facial covering unless working alone. Additionally, although businesses do not have to require customers to do so, they must post encouragement to their patrons to wear masks as well.