KING COUNTY, Wash. - Gov. Gov. Washington State Department of Health guidance. "Anything less than that amounts to using our industry which has been the hardest hit by far as a carrot-and-stick for the small percentage of people in King County who have been unwilling to be vaccinated.". For people who are unvaccinated or cannot prove vaccine status, they will be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours, or a negative rapid test result from a testing provider conducted on site at an event or establishment just prior to entry. Please note that while many industry sectors such as restaurants, bars, gyms, retails stores and other businesses have returned to normal capacity and operations, individual businesses may choose to maintain restrictions as they deem appropriate for the health and safety of their workers and customers. The vaccine mandate for Washington, King County and Seattle city employees would go into effect in October. The announcement comes as Washington is experiencing a severe increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations in every county, due to the Delta variant, with the overwhelming majority of cases and hospitalizations being among unvaccinated Washingtonians. A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. Since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, King Countys policy has been to follow the science, listen to the experts, and protect life and health. Employers should follow Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) requirements for COVID-19 in the workplace: Although Washington States public health emergency proclamations for COVID-19 ended October 31, 2022, COVID19 is still a recognized workplace hazard that employers must address. Mayor Bruce. Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online. The Citys actions then and now have always been informed by the science of the pandemic and recommendations of public health officials an approach based on data and dedicated to saving lives. If you have a complaint and wish to file a grievance, or have a question about possible discrimination, please contact the King County Civil Rights Program at [email protected]; 206-263-2446; TTY Relay 7-1-1; or 401 5th Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. King County Executive Since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, King Countys policy has been to follow the science, listen to the experts, and protect life and health. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. Vaccinations are free and health insurance is not required. Our top priority has been to support the King County business community as it navigated changes in regulations, and it can expect that same high level of support and resources from the Chamber to help ensure safety for our community moving forward. The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. Public and constituent inquiries | 360.902.4111 401 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/covid/vaccine, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Wikang Tagalog/Filipino Tagalog/Filipino, For community and faith-based organizations, Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. Jay Inslee today announced a requirement for most state workers, and on-site contractors and volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Read the full story on the governor's Medium page. As employers prepare to implement the new vaccine verification program over the next several weeks, the Chamber is ready to be their champion. The Delta virus is much more contagious, airborne, causes severe illness, and is seriously stressing our hospitals and healthcare providers," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health Seattle & King County. Asked whether the mandate would isolate those who are unvaccinated, Durkan said that would be their choice. SEATTLE - Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. The lifting of the vaccination mandate for contractors is part of the, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Rescinding Vaccination Mandate for Contractors, Executives action to rescind the countys COVID-19 Proclamation of Emergency that was issued on March 1, 2020. By June 2020, Gov. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. The latest setting on King County's dial is a vaccine mandate to enter restaurants, bars, and non-essential businesses. The intent was to reduce COVID-19 transmission in high-risk indoor settings and thereby reduce the burden on our hospitals, while providing time for more people to get fully vaccinated, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. The statewide and King County mask requirements for outdoor gatherings of over 500 people ended Feb. 18. TTY: Relay: 711 In addition, the large number of people who were infected during the Omicron surge will also likely result in some additional community immunity, at least for the short term. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, King County and the City of Seattle announced their remote employees would begin returning to offices in March. Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Today, after a record-breaking Omicron surge, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in King County are dropping, and hospitals are better able to care for patient loads. The order is. It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. The number of new cases of COVID are leading to far too much suffering. King County . March 1, 2020. . The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. FAX: 206-296-0194, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County, Dr. Faisal Khan, Director, Public Health Seattle & King County, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today, King County, State of Washington, and City of Seattle announce vaccination requirement for most employees, private health care and long-term care workers | August 2021. For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. It doesnt affect outdoor dining, take-out orders and shopping in places including grocery stores. King County worked with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to gather business feedback to inform the policy and conduct outreach and technical assistance once the policy was in place. Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care workers. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments. As a critical care nurse here in Seattle, I can tell you that our health care system has reached its breaking point. 99% of city employees have complied with Seattle's vaccine mandate, Mayor's Office says May Jenny Durkan's office announced that as of roughly 2:30 p.m., 99% of the city's 11,000 employees have. People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. King County's decision to verify vaccination for entry in outdoor events, recreational events or establishments and restaurants, is an important and needed step in the current fight against the pandemic. Customers can use their vaccine cards or a photo of a vaccine card, documentation from a medical record or vaccine provider, or a printed certificate from MyIRMobile.com to enter establishments already requiring vaccine proof. According to the media release, more than 98% of King County's nearly 15,000 employees provided proof of vaccination and nearly 4,000 employees were hired since. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. Washington state is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine mandate to include all public, charter and private school teachers and staff plus those working at the state's colleges and universities . "Our data has shown vaccines, masking, and social distancing can reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases. King County, the City of Seattle, and Public Health developed the vaccine verification policy in consultation with Public Health's Pandemic and Racism Community Advisory Group, cities, small businesses, chambers of commerce, labor unions, trade associations, sports teams, entertainment venues, community groups, and faith-based leaders throughout the county to create a policy that aims to be workable, fair, and equitable for businesses and residents. SEATTLE Dozens of Washington state workers have filed a lawsuit against Gov. The Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as the original COVID-19, which makes increasing vaccination rates even more important to slowing disease spread and protecting people from hospitalization and death. Our aim in King County is to efficiently and equitably vaccinate as many eligible King County residents as possible in order to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the impact of the pandemic on our community. Staff are available 7days a week from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Non-medical questions about COVID-19, including compliance and business-related issues? Vaccine verification requirements loosened statewide and in King County on March 1. This is our moment to celebrate the tremendous work the county, businesses, and customers did to make public health a priority saving lives and keeping our economy moving. Before supporting a recommendation to lift the employee vaccine mandate, Public Health officials wanted to understand the impacts of a potential winter surge in 2022 2023. Guy Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, Swedish Health Services, Rachel Smith, President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Nate Dwyer, Chief Operating Officer, Seattle Theatre Group, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, vaccine verification policy at restaurants, bars, and gyms/fitness centers alone could have a significant positive impact, Local Health Officer Order Vaccine Verification (September 16, 2021), Health Order webpage, including Frequently Asked Questions, Public Health Insider Blog on Health Order, King County COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard, Outdoor events with 500 people or more such as professional and collegiate sports and entertainment events. Almost a year after lifting its indoor mask mandate, Washington state will drop mask mandates in health care, long-term care and correctional facilities on April 3, state health officials announced Friday, March 3. . "But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Some King County business owners say within the short time frame of the county's proof of vaccine mandate, the impact has been severe. We applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. FAX: 206-296-0194. King County Public Health officials said on Tuesday that 70% of residents ages 16 and up had received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson inoculation. In alignment with updated Public Health Seattle and King County guidance, Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Bruce Harrell announced today that King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment effective today. For King County employees, this means a gradual transition of the nearly 5,000 employees who have been mostly working remotely over the last two years, not a sudden end to telecommuting. That work is why we have one of the highest vaccination rates and the lowest cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of any major American city. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. It's been a challenging time. The mandate requires most state employees, health care workers and school employees to get. TTY: Relay: 711 Starting October 25, Washington state's King County will be requiring proof of vaccination for people to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, and non essential businesses. Businesses are free to impose their own vaccine requirements, but there is no countywide requirement. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. We also have tools to further reduce the spread of illness through improving indoor air quality (e.g., through ventilation and filtration) and, in some settings, with the use of high-quality, well-fitting masks.. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. High levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the highly contagious delta variant prompted the order. Vaccine verification is one more tool to help keep our community safe, slow the spread of the coronavirus and ensure that our nurses and health care workers can be there for you when you need us. Children . Starting October 25, Washington state's King County will be requiring proof of vaccination for people to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, and non essential businesses. We are thrilled to hear that recent public health data has encouraged King County leaders to move our community and our businesses into the next phase of the pandemic and prepare for the sunset of vaccine verification. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. At a news . Say your preferred language when connected. But local leaders announced Wednesday that those verification. Inslee pushed up the timeline for lifting Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements for schools and businesses to March 12 after federal officials loosened public health guidelines on face coverings. Preventing further COVID infections is a powerful way to protect the health care system. "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. Everyone should continue to take steps to reduce COVID-19 risk, including getting vaccinated and boosted when eligible, using high quality, well-fitting face masks, improving indoor air quality through ventilation and filtration, and limiting time in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Associate Professor of Medicine and Allergy and Infectious Diseases at University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Paul Thottingal, National Infectious Disease Lead for Kaiser Permanente, Dr. We support the engagement of the public and private sector to play more of a role in helping close the vaccination gap in our communities. Public Health Seattle & King County COVID-19 resources Current guidance Vaccination verification Vaccination verification Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. Browse all Safeway locations in the United States for pharmacies and weekly deals on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, beer, wine and liquor. For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. Vaccine mandate for King County 27 Oct 2021, 5:52 am Save The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. Rooted in our shared values of safety and health equity, we will continue to follow this approach as we respond to next steps in the pandemic and continue to advance efforts to ensure a thriving and equitable recovery for all Seattle residents and neighbors. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry. Request an accommodation If you have a disability and need accommodation, email [email protected]. Compare vaccine types: Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill. Hospitals are really stretched right now across Washington State. The requirements are similar to those recently enacted in New York, San Francisco and New Orleans, as well as in Washington states Clallam and Jefferson counties. King. Masks are also still required on school buses a federal requirement, according to Inslees office. The countys order includes exceptions for take-out orders, outdoor dining, and grocery stores. ", We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. King Countys local indoor mask order ended concurrently with the states, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month. Dow Constantine. KING COUNTY, Wash. After nearly two years, King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. The vaccine verification policy in King County will no longer be in effect as of March 1. For worksites with 50 or more employees, outbreaks with 10 or more confirmed cases must be reported to the state Department of Labor and Industries. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. Currently, 68% of the total King County population and 79% of eligible King County residents (those 12 years of age and up) have completed their vaccination series against COVID-19, including more than 70% of every eligible age group and all racial groups tracked by Public Health. King County officials made the announcement Wednesday. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions ; Transportation ; Safe Communities . Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. Masks are still required statewide on public transit and in health care and congregate living spaces. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. The intent was to reduce COVID-19 transmission in high-risk indoor settings and thereby reduce the burden on our hospitals, while providing time for more people to get fully vaccinated. COVID-19 in Washington Q13 FOX Seattle, King County announce indoor vaccine requirement to fight COVID-19 spread Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement. 2023 ABS-CBN Corporation. The Citys actions then and now have always been informed by the science of the pandemic and recommendations of public health officials an approach based on data and dedicated to saving lives. Public health highly recommends following the current vaccination guidance which includes a bivalent booster dose for the best protection. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. of Health, PDF). In accordance with Federal civil rights law, Public Health Seattle & King County does not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of an individuals protected class, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, and marital status. He was joined by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Kaiser Permanente Washington President Susan Mullaney, Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah, and Seattle-King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeffrey Duchin . In-person customer service counters will continue to remain open. But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. Neve is the Chef at Cafe Lago. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. We are now in a different phase of the pandemic compared to where we were in 2021 and 2022 and it makes sense to remove any requirements for vaccination. We should be doing all we can to ensure the health care system is there to serve our residents. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. How to tackle that choice, How to navigate the COVID pandemic in the Seattle area: resources on masks, tests, vaccines and more, At-home COVID tests and omicron: What you need to know, Mapping the pandemics spread across Washington. ", "Seattle was the first region in the country to feel the devastating effects of the COVID-19 virus, and we innovated and brought nation-leading testing and vaccination sites to our residents. Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. The vaccine mandate first went into effect mid-2021. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. Our top priority has been to support the King County business community as it navigated changes in regulations, and it can expect that same high level of support and resources from the Chamber to help ensure safety for our community moving forward.. This order keeps the arts on the path to recovery, while mitigating the most serious health and safety risks for our patrons and their families, Public Health Media Team, [email protected], Kristin Elia, Executive Office, 206-477-8209, Main phone: 206-263-9600 To protect customers and workers, preserve hospital capacity and help prevent business closures, King County will require verification of full vaccination status or a negative test to enter outdoor public events of 500 or more people and indoor entertainment and recreational establishments and events such as live music, performing arts, gyms, restaurants, and bars. That work is why we have one of the highest vaccination rates and the lowest cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of any major American city," said Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. Smaller restaurants and bars with a seating capacity of 12 or fewer do not need to implement the new order until December 6 of this year. The mandate says those who must now get vaccinated have until Oct. 18 to complete their vaccinations. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. Request an accommodation Two lawmakers in Washington state want the state and local governments to bring back employees who were fired because they didn't comply with COVID-19 pandemic vaccine mandates. In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. It will be reviewed no later than six months after the October 25th implementation date to assess its continued need based on future outbreak conditions. Having been on the front lines since the beginning, and now responding to this latest surge, we know this is not sustainable for our communities or our caregivers. The updated booster shots will target Omicron variants that are spreading and also the original strain of the COVID virus. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. Businesses should continue to improve ventilation, support vaccination for employees, and encourage employees to stay home when sick. Members will have a partner in this every step of the way. No appointment needed: most pharmacies, clinics, and Public Health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination. Filipino-American business owners in the county expressed mixed reactions to the said directive. For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. I thought it was easier. King Countys masking requirement for large outdoor events ended Feb. 18. With high vaccination rates and effective, updated boosters available, we are in a different place in the pandemic, and our policies and regulations will change to reflect the best information we have available today, as they have throughout the last three years., The vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve, said Mayor Harrell. Several forms of vaccination proof will be permitted under the order, including: The order defines full vaccination as two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two weeks after completing another approved vaccine. Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, use high quality, well-fitting face masks, improve indoor air quality through ventilation and/or use of HEPA filtration, avoid crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Ce bouton affiche le type de recherche actuellement slectionn. But to me, I think starting the vaccine cards, I think that's a little bit above, over, over the fence there. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. the Washington State Nurses Association, and . Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. Some, like Max Heigh, a Filipino business owner in the area, think it's necessary to stay safe amid the pandemic. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. State officials accelerated the timeline for lifting the mask requirement initially set to wind down on March 21 after federal officials loosened public health guidelines on face coverings. King County also dropped its vaccine-verification requirement for large outdoor events, like concerts and sporting events, as well as restaurants, bars, theaters and gyms on March 1. Our public health experts believe that now is the appropriate time to lift vaccine verification, based on high rates of vaccine coverage and the decrease in new cases and hospitalizations across the county. Local health jurisdictions, some school districts, and individual businesses may still choose to require masks. dropped its vaccine-verification requirement, These Seattle-area bars and restaurants are still requiring masks and proof of vaccination, What you need to know about mask, vaccine rules at Seattle-area arts and music events, pushed up the timeline for lifting Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements for schools and businesses, Seattle Public Schools to lift mask mandate, but some say its too soon, Some, but not all, students and educators shed their masks in Washington schools after mandate drops, Seattle, King County prepare for return to in-person work, lifting mask requirements, How to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in Washington state, Should you still wear a mask after mandates lift?