OLYMPIA, Wash. – Whatcom County residents and all Washingtonians will not be arrested for not wearing a mask in public.
The Washington State Patrol, the Whatcom County Sheriff and Bellingham Police have issued a statements saying they’re focused on education and engagement.
They say the statewide face covering order that takes effect today, Friday June 26th, is a public health and safety measure, not a mandate for law enforcement to detain, cite or arrest violators.
But they remind people that private property owners including retail stores and other businesses can require masks and anyone who refuses to leave after being asked to can be legally trespassed.