108 COVID cases attributed to Northwest Washington Fair, Washington State Fair still a go
Sep 3, 2021, 3:05 PM | Updated: Sep 7, 2021, 7:36 am
Puyallup Fairgrounds (Courtesy Stacy Van Horne Public Relations Manager)
(Courtesy Stacy Van Horne Public Relations Manager)
Puyallup’s Washington State Fair opened Friday morning amid public health concern related to the rise in delta variant COVID cases. The fair will run through Labor Day into September’s final weekend.
Washington State Fair plans to carry on despite rise in COVID cases
The Bellingham Herald reported earlier this week that 108 COVID-19 cases were associated with the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
A representative speaking on behalf of the Washington State Fair declined to comment on the number of COVID cases attributed to the Lynden fair.
To mitigate the virus’ spread at the Washington State Fair, the Pierce and Tacoma Health Department issued a mandate that masks are to be worn at all times inside the fairgrounds.
“As a condition of opening, Dr. Anthony L-T Chen, Director of Health at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, will issue a health order that requires masks be worn at all times at the Fair, indoors and outdoors, regardless of vaccination status,” the statement reads. “With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations at an all-time high in Pierce County, this will help prevent and limit the spread of the virus. The Fair will have masks available on-site for anyone who needs one. Guests will not be asked to show proof of vaccination status at the Fair.”
Masks required indoors and outdoors at Washington State Fair
The Washington State Fair released a statement on the mandate. They confirmed that it will be enforced by staff.
“We realize that some of our guests might not agree with this mandate, but it is crucial we adhere to this, for us to open our gates – and remain open,” the statement reads. “So please, bring your mask and wear it during your visit. Have a great time at the biggest party in the state. Again, this is a mandate we are required to follow, in order for The Fair to be open. We understand if you need to skip our party this year, but we look forward to seeing you again soon.”
Further health and safety precautions include two dozen mobile handwashing stations, frequent sanitation of rides, and regular COVID testing of employees.
Pierce County’s 14-day case rate of COVID-19 per 100,000 for Aug. 11–24 is 637.1.
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