Face coverings are required of employees, vendors, contractors, customers and visitors in the workplace, unless covered by a medical or other exemption. Businesses are encouraged to provide an accommodation for customers unable to wear a face covering safely. Implementing face covering requirements at your business If a customer or visitor is not wearing a face covering, businesses should take the following steps:

• A business representative or employee should politely educate the customer or visitor about the public health requirement to wear a mask or face covering. Businesses may choose to keep a supply of disposable masks to offer customers who do not have one.
• If the individual still declines to wear a mask or face covering, the business representative or employee should politely inquire as to whether the person has a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask. Businesses CANNOT inquire about the details about a person’s specific medical condition or disability and CANNOT ask for proof or documentation.
• For customers who are unable to wear a face covering, businesses are encouraged to offer some kind of accommodation for the customer such as curbside pickup, delivery or a scheduled appointment when physical distancing can be ensured.
• If a customer or individual refuses to wear a face covering but does not have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask, they should be politely told that the business cannot serve them and that they need to leave the premises. Under no circumstances should the business representative attempt to physically block an individual from entering or physically remove them from the premises.
• If the individual refuses to leave, the business representative should follow whatever procedures they normally follow if an individual refuses to leave the establishment when asked to do so (including contacting local law enforcement to indicate that the individual is trespassing).

Find the full Face Covering Requirements from the Governor’s Office here.

Find the revised Washington REALTORS® COVID-19 Real Estate FAQs here.

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On June 23, Governor Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced a statewide mandate that face masks will be required in public places starting Friday, June 26.

Washington REALTORS® has revised their FAQ guidance to include the statewide face covering protocols. Please review the downloadable PDF or their FAQ site for clarification on which activities are permitted and the protocols required for permitted activities.

If you have questions on this, or any other real estate legal question, email [email protected]. The Legal Hotline is a Washington REALTOR® member-only benefit.

Washington REALTORS® has revised the FAQ guidance to include information for Phases 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 for real estate activities based on the latest information from the Governor’s office. Please review the downloadable PDF or their FAQ site for clarification on which activities are permitted and the protocols required for permitted activities.

If you have questions on this, or any other real estate legal question, email [email protected]. The Legal Hotline is a Washington REALTOR® member-only benefit.