PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER

Official insights from Public Health – Seattle & King County staff

Healthcare organizations update masking guidelines for 2025-26 respiratory illness season

October 21, 2025.Reading time 2 minutes.

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.

Regional healthcare organizations adopt guidelines for masking as respiratory virus season approaches

September 26, 2023.Reading time 4 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County supports the data-informed decision by healthcare organizations to require masking in their facilities when thresholds for increased respiratory illness activity are reached. Read more below.