King County Metro: New public health directive requires masks or face coverings on transit
Starting Monday, May 18 until further notice, passengers are required to wear masks or face coverings while riding transit, according to a new Public Health Directive from Dr. Jeff Duchin, Public Health – Seattle & King County health officer, along with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan.
During this incredibly challenging time, Metro has received very generous in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. King County offers its appreciation and thanks for mask donations from ATU Local 587, the Chinese American Civic Association, GTR Technologies, Heather Johnson Stallard, and the Little Masters Club. These donations allow Metro to provide masks to our frontline employees and to members of our community in greatest need.
Metro also ordered additional high-quality fabric face coverings from the Refugee Artisan Initiative, which employs local refugee women to sew these face coverings. Because of Metro’s large order, the organization was able to employ four additional refugee women in addition to the existing staff of seven.
Public Health – Seattle & King County has developed a full FAQ about the Directive. Transit-related questions and answers are below.