Gov. Inslee to Mandate Masks in Yakima County

Governor Jay Inslee announced Saturday a new step that he will implement to help residents of Yakima County.

"In the next few days I will be issuing a proclamation mandating facial coverings in public spaces in Yakima County. This is a legal requirement, it is not just a suggestion."

Inslee says it's a requirement that they could expand to other counties, but as of yet they have not decided on it.

He did note that can't force people to wear masks, but he can another avenue for compliance.

"Businesses will be legally required not to sell products or services to those who are not in compliance with this requirement. For them to legally operate they're going to be need to adhere to that. So that essentially means no mask, no service or no mask, no goods."

Inslee says Yakima County has one of the worst rates of COVID-19 cases, along with hospitalizations in the state and in much of the country.

State Secretary of Health John Wiesman says it's also important to not have large gatherings with people outside of your household.