Seattle city councilmember caught maskless at sports game despite mask mandate

Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez was caught maskless at a Seattle Storm game on Friday despite the city of Seattle implementing some of the strictest coronavirus mandates in the nation.

According to the health and safety protocol on the Seattle Storm's website, the policy states: "The wearing of masks is mandatory for all guests over the age of 2 and must be worn at all times other than while eating and drinking in ticketed seats." Beginning Sept. 26, attendees ages 12 and up must submit either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, 72 hours prior, for entry into the WNBA team's games.

An individual that was at Friday's Storm game witnessed the maskless city councilmember and told KVI 570's Ari Hoffman that Councilwoman Juarez allegedly removed her mask as soon as cameras were off.

"I'm at the Storm game tonight," the source said. "The Storm had Councilwoman Debora Juarez on the big screen. Some cheered, I definitely booed. She wore a mask when she was on camera but as soon as the camera was off, she took the mask off and never put it back on."

Adding, "Is she one that's telling Seattle to mask up? The balls of this woman! She hugged one of the owners of the Storm without wearing a mask. If the Storm owners all die and croak of COVID, I'm definitely blaming her."

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Councilmember Juarez has been a strong advocate of coronavirus restrictions; including mask mandates. Most recently, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced mandatory coronavirus vaccinations for city employees, providing no option to opt out. Those who do not get vaccinated face termination come Oct. 18.

"We all must do our part to keep others safe. If even a small chance remains that you might not be able to keep six feet between you and others, wear a mask. When you wear a mask at the store, at the farmers market, or a crowded park, you’re protecting your neighbors and loved ones, you're stopping the spread of the virus, and you’re contributing to our progress towards reopening the city," Councilmember Juarez stated in a Facebook post in May 2020.

During a press conference last week, Seattle and King County, Washington, announced vaccine passports or proof of negative COVID-19 test to enter bars, restaurants, gyms, and other entertainment venues. The vaccination requirement goes into effect Oct. 25.

Democrat Governor Jay Inslee reinstated an indoor mask requirement for every county in the state of Washington last month, regardless of an individual's vaccination status. "We have seen over the last year how widespread masking also saves lives by reducing infection," Governor Inslee tweeted on Aug. 18.

In July, Governor Inslee announced mandatory coronavirus vaccinations for state employees the same day Mayor Durkan announced the policy for Seattle.

The forced vaccination requirements have since resulted in mass protests throughout the state of Washington as thousands advocate for their right to medical freedom. Like Seattle, state employees must submit vaccination verification by Oct. 18 or risk termination.

The Post Millennial reached out to Councilwoman Juarez's office for comment.