In a June 29, 2021, press release, Governor Jay Inslee addressed COVID-19 business operations plans. There were two noteworthy takeaways:
- As of June 30, 2021, businesses and professions licensed by Washington’s Department of Licensing (DOL)—including licensed estheticians, hair professionals, and nail professionals—no longer need to follow industry-specific guidance documents developed by the governor’s office.
Instead, a new guidance document issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries applies to private businesses, and addresses when employees need to wear masks, how to verify employee vaccination status, how to protect unvaccinated staff, and more.
- As of June 30, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear facial coverings, unless required by individual businesses.
Per the new guidance document, individuals who work in the health-care industry must continue to wear a mask while at work. In the state of Washington, massage therapists are considered health-care professionals and must therefore continue to wear a mask while working.
If you have questions or concerns, email us at gr@abmp.com.
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