Newhouse Calls on Inslee to Believe in Science, Stop Discouraging Washingtonians from Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine

Statement

Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) issued the following statement in response to Governor Jay Inslee's announcement that he will mandate the use of masks in K-12 school during the upcoming school year and recommend masks indoors for Washingtonians, regardless of whether or not they have been vaccinated.

"Governor Inslee has, once again, acted hastily and ignored science by mandating mask wear for teachers and students for a school year that is still weeks away from beginning," said Rep. Newhouse. "Not only are children at decreased risk of COVID-19, but they have already experienced a year and a half of devastating losses in learning and critical effects on their mental and emotional heath."

He continued, "This move by the Governor is undermining public trust in the efficacy of the vaccine. If he truly wants to prevent the spread of this virus, he should stop backtracking on the progress we've made and discouraging hesitant Washingtonians from protecting themselves against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated should not be political."

Background:

Gov. Jay Inslee announced at a press conference on July 28, 2021, that he would mandate mask wearing for all students and teachers in K-12 schools when the fall term begins next month, despite their vaccination status.
A CDC report from July 27, 2021, states that "available evidence suggests that the COVID-19 vaccines presently authorized in the United States offer protection against known emerging variants, including the Delta variant" and that guidance suggesting otherwise is based on "[s]tudies from India with vaccines not authorized for use in the United States."
Washington has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, with 57.3% of the population fully vaccinated, exceeding the national average of 49.8%.

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