Yakima City Council Ratifies Face Mask Proclamation

During its regular meeting tonight, Tuesday, June 2nd, the Yakima City Council ratified a proclamation by Mayor Patricia Byers that recommends community members wear face masks to assist in stopping the spread of COVID-19. The proclamation and recommendation are in place through Tuesday, July 7th.

Previously, the Yakima Health District (YHD) issued a directive calling on Yakima County residents to wear a face covering while at any indoor or outdoor public space where they may be within 6 feet of someone who is not in their household. That particular directive takes effect tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3rd.

As with YHD’s directive, the Mayor’s proclamation is not an order. There are no criminal, civil or financial penalties associated with failure to comply. Residents are asked to comply in order to educate, encourage and persuade others to wear face coverings. By wearing face coverings, you are protecting others and they are protecting you from possible exposure to COVID-19.

Beginning Monday, June 8th, employers in Washington state are required to provide face masks for their employees and to post signs encouraging the public to wear face masks. Gov. Jay Inslee announced the requirement during a news conference last Friday, May 29th.

Gov. Inslee’s stay-at-home orders expired on Monday, June 1st. However, Yakima County remains in Phase 1 of the state’s four-phase recovery plan from COVID-19 due to the area’s high rate of infection.

All City of Yakima buildings remain closed to the public to help stem the spread of COVID-19.

The City continues to provide services to the community.

Visit https://www.yakimawa.gov/media/points-of-interest/online-city-services/ to connect with City departments online and by phone.

Click https://www.yakimawa.gov/covid19/ for information on the City’s response to the pandemic, as well has helpful precautions and links related to COVID-19 and the community’s response.