On September 2, 2021, Jeff Duchin signed a public health order for Seattle and King County that requires mask wearing at outdoor events with 500 or more people in attendance, effective September 7. The decision was made not long after the Delta variant of the coronavirus began sweeping the state at a shocking yet familiar rate.
Who is Jeff Duchin, and how can he do this?
Jeffrey Duchin, MD is the local health officer for Seattle and King County. He also actively serves on the Board of Scientific Counselors in the Office of Infectious Diseases for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Washington law allows for local health officers to take any action deemed necessary to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the officer's jurisdiction and maintaining the health and well-being of people therein. State law also allows for local health officers to enforce safety control measures (such as wearing a mask) based on scientific and medical data, their personal judgment, and existing standards of practice.
A brush-up on what we know
Let's go back to the basics: COVID-19 spreads from person to person through the air in small droplets or aerosol particles that contain the virus. It can also be spread before an infected person shows symptoms.
The risk of transmission outdoors is very low, yet that risk increases in crowded areas, where physical distancing (6 feet ideally) is difficult to maintain. Because of this, it is crucial to wear face masks, because they reduce the release of infectious viral droplets (as well as the rate at which they are breathed in).
When within 3—6 feet of an infectious source for 15 minutes or longer, the risk of transmission is high, but transmission can also occur even when 6 feet or further away.
The coronavirus spreads more rapidly among those who are not vaccinated, yet it can spread in those who are fully vaccinated and have a high level of protection against severe health-related outcomes.
COVID-19 and King County
The Delta variant of the coronavirus has been associated with higher risks of hospitalization in the state in comparison to the original strain from the spring of 2020. It is also 2—3 times as transmissible as the original strain. That, combined with the state reopening and the more activities being allowed, has contributed to an increase in new cases.
Young and middle-aged adults and teens are currently being hit the hardest, particularly those living in south and southeast King County. Those who are Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, Native American/Alaskan Native, essential workers, or living in multigenerational households are being disproportionately impacted. Additionally, there are tens of thousands of people living in King County who are immunocompromised, which puts them at greater risk of infection.
If you haven't already, join the fully vaccinated crew
According to Seattle and King County Public Health, about 67% of King County residents are fully vaccinated. About 750,000 county residents remain unvaccinated: approximately 320,000 are eligible yet have still not received a vaccine, while approximately 308,000 are under the age of 12 years and are not eligible to receive a vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccination rates remain lower in younger age groups:
Getting vaccinated against the coronavirus is one of the most important health decisions you will make, most likely, in your entire life. About a year and a half into this pandemic, the virus is still putting people in the hospital and taking lives daily — both in Washington state and around the globe. The vaccine protects not only yourself but also every single individual you cross paths with.
The new masking orders
"The use of face masks in certain outdoor situations where people cannot remain at least 6 feet apart from non-household members is reasonable and necessary in King County to reduce the risk for CoV-19 transmission," stated the order.
The risk of COVID-19 transmission is found to be greater at large and crowded outdoor events where unvaccinated individuals are in attendance, where individuals cannot maintain adequate physical distance from one another, or where there is aerobic exercise, singing, shouting, or loud talking.
"Masks are required at any outdoor event with 500 or more people in attendance. This requirement applies to all people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, five years of age and older," stated the order.
In addition to the new large-event outdoor masking order, the indoor face mask requirement remains in effect. Those aged 5 and above in King County are required to wear face masks while in indoor public spaces, including grocery and retail stores, gyms and exercise facilities, stadiums and auditoriums, and governmental buildings.
Everyone in King County is required to wear a mask in schools, public transit, healthcare settings (such as doctor's offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities), homeless shelters, and correctional facilities.
Indoor masking requirements do not apply to children under 5 years of age (2-to 4-year-olds are not required but strongly recommended to mask up with adult supervision), while eating or drinking, those doing gymnastics (where there's a possibility of the mask getting snagged on equipment), or while in indoor, non-public facilities, including offices and businesses.
What's next?
Since this virus remains unpredictable, we have to get down with these new masking orders, as per Jeff Duchin. For some, it may feel like we're traveling backward, but in the long run, we'll be traveling at the speed of light when it comes to getting out of this viral mess.
For the time being, it's important to play things safe. But by all means, please don't cancel your concert tickets. Get vaxxed, get your mask on, and go to the damn show.