Dow ConstantineVerified account

Q: Ok but...why. A: Because we want to keep up the good work. King County has made progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, but most people do not have immunity to the disease and remain susceptible.

As a community, we remain vulnerable to a surge of new cases that could make many more people ill & overwhelm our health care system’s ability to treat those with the most serious complications of the disease. That means taking small, simple measures like covering our faces

Q: I want to be extra-safe. Should I buy an N95 or surgical-grade mask? A: Only if you work in health care or medicine. There is a serious shortage of PPE for health care workers. Medical masks should be reserved for those who are on the front lines working to protect us all.

Q: I have a physical disability that makes a mask difficult. Do I still need one? A: No. If wearing a face covering would be difficult or harmful, don't do it. Someone who is deaf and uses facial and mouth movements as part of communications, for example, can forgo a mask.

Q: What is the penalty for people who flout this directive? A: There is no penalty for not wearing a face covering. Violation of this Directive does not create grounds to stop, detain, issue a citation, arrest, or prosecute individuals who do not comply with it.

Law enforcement *will not be involved* in the enforcement of this directive. This directive is not a punitive measure. It's designed to educate, encourage, and persuade individuals to wear face coverings.

This is, of course, an ever-changing situation. We will evaluate if additional steps need to be taken if there is wide-scale non-compliance. However, we also know that many members of the community experience fear when wearing a mask.