Healthcare systems in Puget Sound updated their guidelines for masking in hospitals and outpatient clinics during respiratory illness season. This year’s thresholds will consider the overall burden of respiratory illnesses that include COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well as other respiratory illness infections.

Local healthcare facilities will develop masking policies for patients, visitors, and employees in healthcare settings based on respiratory illness levels in the community. Masking is an effective way to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in healthcare settings.

Public Health – Seattle & King County joins other local health jurisdictions in supporting the continued commitment by healthcare organizations to encourage appropriate masking in hospitals and clinics. Masking reduces the spread of disease, protects vulnerable patients and healthcare workers, and helps ensure healthcare facilities maintain capacity to serve our communities.

“One of the important lessons we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic was the benefit of wearing a high-quality mask to prevent the spread of respiratory illness. It’s a testament to the healthcare organizations in our region that they continue to work together to promote masking in healthcare settings when more respiratory illness is circulating in the community. This collective approach will help to protect both patients and staff as we move into the fall and winter months.” Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County

You can read more about the current masking guidelines and local healthcare organizations’ commitment to keeping our community safe in this statement.

You can keep an eye on respiratory virus levels in King County by visiting our updated dashboard.

Originally posted 10/21/2025