![Inslee Presser–Statewide Face Masks Required Starting Friday](https://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2020/06/6-23-inslee-r-not-graph.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Inslee Presser–Statewide Face Masks Required Starting Friday
Gov. Inslee's press conference Tuesday began with yet another dire message.
He said his "R not" number claims that the number of persons infected by one person is on the rise.
Inslee said the mandate of facial coverings will be legally required statewide starting Friday. Punishable, claims Inslee, by a misdemeanor (willful not wearing).
Children under five are not required, and those who have health issues that a mask would prove to be harmful are exempted.
Inslee paid lip service to the "painful closing of shops" but again put the virus ahead of the economy. He claims face masking is a way to replace lockdowns.
He also said he will sign a proclamation requiring all Yakima businesses to require their customers will have to wear some sort of facial covering.
Inslee said when we go to the grocery store and we feel chipper, we may be carrying it, not even knowing it, and spreading it to others.
For more details and to watch the press conference for yourself click on the button below.
![98.3 KEYW logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KEYWFM.png?w=100)
More From 98.3 KEYW
![Tri-cities Area Smoke Affects Your Pets More than You Think](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2024/07/attachment-21.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![2024 Tri-City Water Follies Boat Races this Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2022/07/attachment-boat-race-1-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The #1 Huckleberry Picking Place in Washington State](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-26T095828.136.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![[LISTS] Washington State Wildfire Weekend Road Closures](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-26T064047.359.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Who Recalls the Worst Wildfire in Washington State History?](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T121323.798.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Why Faith Martin Says ‘Dating a Horse Girl Isn’t a Bad Idea’](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-7.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Exploring the 6 Best Mountain Towns in Washington State](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2023/01/attachment-Untitled-design-2023-01-11T113347.976.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Why are Billions of Birds Dying It’s Not What You Think](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2024/07/attachment-Easy-Fire-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Does the Fear of Getting Lost Keep You from Exploring New Hiking Trails](http://townsquare.media/site/133/files/2024/07/attachment-11.jpg?w=980&q=75)