Order: Face masks required statewide beginning Friday

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that residents statewide will be required to wear a face mask effective Friday.

“This is something we can get use to,” Inslee said, noting that a willful decision not to wear a face mask is “tantamount to a misdemeanor.”

The governor balked, however, when questioned on how the state would enforce the requirement.

“We just think people will respond,” he said.

Inslee said the requirement stems from an order by the non-elected state Secretary of Health John Weisman.

“COVID-19 still remains a serious threat,” Weisman said. “If we use face coverings, we can...