A protective mask hanging on a front door. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald)

A protective mask hanging on a front door. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald)

Health officials urge mask-wearing as viruses rise statewide

An “unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses” spurred a joint statement from dozens of county medical leaders.

EVERETT — Mask up indoors again.

That is the recommendation of more than 30 medical officials in a joint announcement released Friday. Dr. James Lewis, health officer for the Snohomish Health District, joined the call for mask-wearing, along with 10 other public health officers representing 16 counties.

In the strongest warning issued yet this season, health officials said influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 together are contributing to an “unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses.”

“We recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others,” according to the joint statement.

Children have been particularly impacted by this surge in respiratory illnesses, Lewis said in an email.

“I do recommend that schools and child cares encourage masking. However, this is not a requirement or a local mandate,” Lewis said.

The 11 health officers represent many of the biggest counties and metro areas in the state, including the Seattle-King, Tacoma-Pierce and Clark county health departments. With the exception of Kittitas, no Central and Eastern Washington county officials signed on.

They were joined by health care leaders from around the state, including Providence Swedish. Dr. Jay Cook, chief medical officer of Providence Regional Medical Everett, said the hospital system signed on “because masking is one of the most widely recognized ways to diminish the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses.”

He added that the Everett hospital has seen a big increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in recent weeks, and continues to be challenged by staff shortages and non-acute patients waiting to be discharged to lower levels of care.

After mask-wearing, officials and leaders urged everyone eligible to get their flu and COVID vaccines to protect against severe illness.

As of this week, Snohomish County had already seen three flu deaths this season, and the percentage of hospital visits in the county for influenza-like illnesses is about 10 times higher than it was the previous two years this early in the season.

Notably, the state Department of Health did not sign the press release recommending mask-wearing. Its latest flu update recommends getting vaccinated, washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick. Statewide, 26 people have died from the flu this season, three of them children. The state health department plans to host a press conference Tuesday to discuss masking.

A department spokesperson wrote, “We continue to recommend people wear masks in crowded settings around others, and that they keep a mask handy as a good way to navigate changing situations.”

Joy Borkholder is the health and wellness reporter for The Daily Herald. Her work is supported by the Health Reporting Initiative, which is sponsored in part by Premera Blue Cross. The Daily Herald maintains editorial control over content produced through this initiative.

Joy Borkholder: 425-339-3430; joy.borkholder@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jlbinvestigates.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
On second go, Mukilteo City Council votes against sales tax hike

A veto from Mayor Joe Marine forced the council to bring the potential 0.1% sales tax increase back for another vote Monday.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Two visitors comb the beach at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Tulalip, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Nate Nehring and WSU Beach Watchers to host beach cleanup at Kayak Point

Children and families are especially encouraged to attend the event at Kayak Point Regional County Park.

One person dead in single-vehicle fatal crash near Stanwood

A 33-year-old male was found dead at the scene Monday evening with his vehicle partially wrapped around a tree.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish Regional firefighters respond to nearly 90 calls on the Fourth

While crews stayed busy on Independence Day, it was far more peaceful than other years.

Vehicles travel along Mukilteo Speedway on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mukilteo approves 84-acre annexation east of Speedway

The annexation of unincorporated land is expected to bring new revenue to the city as it faces budget challenges.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.