BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Local health officials say the new statewide mask requirement could help Whatcom County move to Phase 3 of the governor’s reopening plan.
The Washington State Secretary of Health Tuesday issued a public health order requiring everyone to wear face coverings while in public.
Whatcom County Health Officer Dr. Greg Stern says they hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but he says mandates work to encourage people to adopt healthy behaviors.
He points out seat belt use, texting and driving, and smoking as examples of other health issues that mandates have played a big role in.