Healthcare worker masking plays an important role in keeping staff and our most vulnerable patients safe. Every respiratory season since 2023, infectious disease and public health experts across the state work together as part of the NWHRN Infectious Disease Workgroup reviewing the latest literature and epidemiology to produce the annual Healthcare Worker Masking Consensus Statement. This collaborative effort highlights our state’s dedication to implementing policies based on science and best practices. NWHRN appreciates all who contribute to this important work.
If you are interested in joining this Workgroup or becoming a signatory or public health supporter of the consensus statement, please contact info@nwhrn.org.
Read the 2026-2027 consensus statement here HERE
For more background to this effort, previous statements are available from March 2023, June 2023, and September 2023, October 2024, and October 2025.
The Acute Infectious Disease Masking Workgroup continues to monitor COVID-19 and other respiratory virus activity closely.
Media inquiries about the Northwest Healthcare Response Network please contact pio@nwhrn.org (monitored during business hours).
Please contact healthcare facilities directly for media inquiries or statements regarding their organizational involvement or masking policies.