The coronavirus disease outbreak (COVID-19) is impacting how we live and work in locations across Washington state.

Listed below is the guidance and resources for COVID-19 topics related to L&I.

Latest L&I News

News releases

• April 25, 2022: Worker died of COVID-19 after attending staff meeting at Sumner business
• Feb. 8, 2022: Centralia businesses fined more than a quarter of a million dollars collectively after 250 workers contract COVID-19 in the same warehouse
• Dec. 22, 2021: $60,000 fine issued for mask and social distancing violations at Stafford Creek Corrections Center
• Nov. 22, 2021: Longview paper mill fined nearly $140,000 for failing to protect workers from COVID-19
• Aug. 4, 2021: Landmark Gebbers Farms settlement means company will spend more than $2 million investing in Central WA farmworkers, families
• May 28, 2021: Emergency agriculture housing rules updated to reflect new masking and physical distancing guidance
• May 21, 2021: New state workplace masking guidelines help employers, workers adapt to new CDC recommendations
• May 7, 2021: Emergency agriculture housing rules updated to reflect current COVID-19 conditions
• Jan. 27, 2021: COVID-19 safety violations result in large fine for Yakima area fruit company

See more news releases.

L&I Local Offices

• Some local offices are open for in-person services. Offices can still help you by phone from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays (except state holidays). Use the phone number for your closest regional office, or you can call the Office of Information and Assistance at 360-902-5800.

Workplace Safety and Health

Washington State’s public health emergency proclamations for COVID-19 ended on October 31, 2022; however, HELSA is still in effect and COVID-19 is still a recognized workplace hazard that employers must address. Employers covered by recordkeeping rules are required to record workplace injuries and illnesses (including work-related COVID-19 illnesses) on an OSHA 300 log.

• COVID-19 (Coronavirus) safety topic: Industry and topic-based resources, including rules and guidance, training materials, and safety program templates.
• December 30, 2022: How to Assess COVID-19 Hazards at Work mobile-friendly eTool
• December 1, 2022: L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 
• December 2, 2022: Questions and Answers: New Reporting, Notification, and PPE Requirements for Public Health Emergencies Involving Infectious or Contagious Diseases
• December 2, 2022: Questions and Answers: Protecting High-Risk Employees from Discrimination During Public Health Emergencies
• Sample COVID-19 Plan for Small Employers (under revision)

Masks, face coverings, and respiratory protection

• When Masks are Required (for employers)
• Medical Evaluation Questionnaire for Respirator Use
• Respirator Program Template and Guide for N95 Use  

L&I Coronavirus Response Data

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) data dashboard (last updated: Jan. 31, 2023): Coronavirus-related enforcement, inspections, consultations, and workers' compensation claims.

Paid Sick Leave

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccines and Paid Sick Leave Common Questions: Answers for employers and employees on using paid sick leave to receive a vaccine.
• Paid Sick Leave and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions: Answers for businesses and workers on using paid sick leave during the coronavirus outbreak.
• Paid Leave Under the Washington Family Care Act: Answers for workers on using paid leave covered under the Washington Family Care Act.

Coronavirus Testing and Paid Time

COVID-19 Testing and Paid Time Common Questions: Answers for employers and workers on when testing would be considered paid time.

Workers' Compensation

• Presumptive Coverage for Health Care and Frontline Workers: Answers to questions about workers’ compensation coverage for health care and frontline workers during a public health emergency, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
• Workers' Compensation Coverage and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions: Answers for businesses, workers, and providers about workers' compensation coverage during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
• Self-Insurance and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions: Answers for self-insured businesses about workers' compensation coverage during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
• Common Questions About Public Health Emergencies From Businesses With Workers' Compensation Insurance Through L&I
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Health Care Providers

Coronavirus Information in Other Languages

• Información sobre el coronavirus (COVID-19) en español
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information in 36 languages

Stay Informed

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Washington State Department of Health (DOH): 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)