Face Coverings Mandatory in All Public Spaces 

All Washington Residents are required to wear cloth face coverings in public.

Effective Friday, June 26,  Washington residents will be legally required to wear a face covering in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others. Exemptions: 

• Those with certain medical conditions and children under the age of two are excepted. Children aged 2-4 are encouraged, but not required, to wear a face covering with adult assistance.
• Individuals may remove face coverings under certain circumstances, including while eating or drinking at a restaurant; while communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing; and while outdoors in public areas, provided that a distance of six feet is maintained from people who are not members of their household.
• Currently, businesses in Yakima County may not serve anyone who enters their business without a facial covering.

All Washington workers must wear cloth face coverings at work, at minimum.

As of June 8, all employees are required to wear a cloth facial covering, except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site, or when the job has no in-person interaction. This applies to employees working in separate rooms or cubicles if the walls are below face level when working at their desks.

Employers must provide workers with appropriately protective facial coverings for the worker’s risk of exposure.

Per the Safe Start plan, all Washington employers are required to provide (at no cost to employees) and require the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate for the worker’s risk of exposure. Cloth face coverings must be worn by every employee not working alone unless their risk profile dictates a higher level of protection.

King County is Now in Phase 2 of the Washington Safe Start Reopening Plan

King County announced on June 19 that following an application to the Washington State Department of Health, the county has now moved into phase 2 under the state’s phased reopening of business, recreational and social activities. This phase allows businesses and activities to resume with limited capacity that meets specific requirements.

More information can be found at Safe Start King County.

City of North Bend’s timeline for COVID-19 response as well as links to resources for businesses, individuals and the latest health guidance.

On March 11, 2020, Mayor Rob McFarland signed an Emergency Proclamation that allows the City of North Bend to take measures to protect the public health, safety and welfare of North Bend’s residents and may go beyond the capability of local resources.

The March 17, 2020 City Council meeting was held without verbal comment allowed during the meeting. This decision was made to protect the public health of the community, City staff and Council. 

All City Council meetings from March 17, 2020 until further notice will be held via Zoom. 

On March 16, 2020, Mayor Rob McFarland signed Executive Order #1 stating that beginning, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, North Bend City Hall temporarily closed public facing counters in accordance with public health recommendations, in order to ensure resident and staff safety and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Employees who are able to work remotely are encouraged to do so. Those unable to perform their job duties remotely will receive full pay for now during the “stay home” directive.

On March 18, 2020, the Emergency Operations Center opened with a skeleton crew in the facility and others working remotely.

All Commission and Committee meetings have either been cancelled until further notice or are being shifted to virtual meetings, effective March 18, 2020. 

On March 23, 2020, Mayor McFarland signed Executive Order No. 20-02, which exercised his emergency powers to close certain active recreational areas in all parks and open spaces within the city limits of North Bend.

Effective March 25, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee issued a Stay Home, Stay Healthy Proclamation, defining which essential businesses are allowed to remain open.

Effective May 5, 2020, Mayor Rob McFarland issued Executive Order 20-03 amending Executive Order 20-01 to provide clarification on employee wages and benefits to be paid during the mandated Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Effective May 5, 2020, the City will return to its standard compensation policies as outlined in the Executive Order.

On June 5, King County was approved to move to a modified phase of King County’s Safe Start Reopening Plan.  

On June 19, 2020, King County announced that, following an application to the Washington State Department Health, the county has now moved into a phase 2 under the Safe Start Washington phased reopening of business, recreational and social activities. This phase allows businesses and activities to resume with limited capacity that meets specific requirements. More information can be found at Safe Start King County.

On June 19, 2020, Mayor Rob McFarland signed Executive Order 20-05 on recreational activity and the Safe Reopening Plan allowing for the public use of playgrounds, sports courts, skate parks, BMX bike parks, ballfields and picnic shelters.

Effective  June 26, 2020, Washington residents will be legally required to wear a face covering in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others. 

COVID-19 Resources:

COVID-19 Rapid Relief Program
COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
COVID-19 Resources for Individuals
Public Health – Seattle & King County COVID-19 Outbreak Summary Dashboard.
Washington Department of Health COVID-19 Outbreak Summary.
Washington State Confirmed COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths Dashboard. 

Check These Sites for the Latest COVID-19 Health Guidance: 

Seattle King County Public Health 
Washington State Department of Health 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

CDC guidance to help families, employers, schools and others stop the spread of COVID-19 (pdf)

Watch for Symptoms:

According to the CDC, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus COVID-19 cases.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

When to Seek Medical Attention:

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Call Centers for Public Inquiries:

• Public Health-Seattle & King County – 206-477-3977
  For King County residents who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19, or for healthcare providers with COVID-19 questions. This helpline is open daily from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and operators are able to connect with a third-party interpreter.
• Washington State Department of Health – 800-525-0127 and press #
  For general questions about how the virus is spread and what to do if you have symptoms. This helpline is open daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.