N95 Masking Requirements Change with COVID Community Transmission Levels

Mar 3, 2023
With certain exceptions, health care providers are no longer required to wear an N95 respirator, including when performing aerosol generating procedures. Read for more details and exceptions to this updated COVID requirement.

For several weeks, WSDA has been in dialogue with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) on the state of Washington’s ongoing masking requirements. Based upon on our review of state and federal guidance and discussion with DOSH, we have verified, with certain exceptions, that health care providers are no longer required to wear an N95 respirator, including when performing aerosol generating procedures, when a patient is not known or suspected of having COVID-19 and the county in which the health care facility is located does not fall under the “high” level of community transmission, as indicated on the CDC Community Transmission Dashboard. Please note that community transmission levels are updated on a regular basis.

There are a few exceptions regarding when an N95 is still required, as outlined below:

  • If a county returns to a “high” level of community transmission, as indicated on the CDC Community Transmission Dashboard, providers must return to wearing an N95 respirator when providing patient care. After a county returns to a lower level of community transmission, it is recommended that providers continue to use an N95 for two weeks before moving to a lower level of PPE. WSDA encourages dentists to frequently monitor the CDC Community Transmission Dashboard to maintain compliance with masking requirements.
  • When providing care to a patient suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, regardless of community transmission level, providers should wear an N95.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that while an N95 is no longer required under some circumstances, under the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) employees may still voluntarily wear a higher level of PPE, such as an N95.

Statewide Face Covering Order Remains in Effect

Update as of March 3, 2023: Effective April 3, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will end the Secretary of Health Statewide Face Covering Order currently in effect for health care (including dental). Learn more.

The statewide Face Covering Order issued by the Secretary of Health remains in effect for health care (including dental) and long-term care settings as well as for correctional facilities. This means that unless an individual meets the criteria for an exception or exemption as outlined in the Face Covering Order, all individuals must continue to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when they are indoors in the aforementioned settings. A surgical mask would meet this requirement. WSDA continues to have discussions with Department of Health leadership about the Face Covering Order and is encouraging nuance be built into the order for facilities like dental offices.

More information on masking and COVID-19 requirements and guidelines remaining in effect can be found at wsda.org/COVID-19.

Visit wsda.org/COVID-19