These workers live in every community in our state, working together and with the public every day to deliver services, Inslee said. Members will have a partner in this every step of the way. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. Washington state lawmakers push to rehire government workers fired over There is no longer a statewide mask mandate for most indoor spaces, which include schools, child care facilities, libraries, restaurants and bars, places of worship, gyms, recreation centers, indoor athletic facilities, or retail establishments like grocery stores. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. King Countys vaccination verification policy went into effect on October 25, 2021. Gov. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". The Washington State. King County reaches deal with 'majority' of unions on vaccine mandate With continued high levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the Delta variant, serious stress on our regional healthcare system, and concern for a significant outbreak resurgence this fall and winter, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and community, health care, small business, and arts and culture partners joined in support of requiring verification of full vaccination or a negative test to enter certain indoor and outdoor activities and establishments. "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.". Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. Executive departments will begin to implement their Future of Work plans, which set out how services will be delivered moving forward, whether thats in-person, remotely, or a hybrid of both. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? Almost 90% of King County residents between 18 and 64 years of age have completed the primary vaccination series, although most have not yet received an updated bivalent booster and therefore are at increased risk for preventable serious infections compared to those who have received it. Washington will lift the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for health care and education workers, but employers can choose to mandate vaccines if they wish. After more than twenty months, I desperately want to get back to as close to normal as possible, but we can't get there without reducing the risk for all through vaccination, masking, testing, physical distancing, and ventilation. The changes come as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations fueled by omicron are declining. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. He said the association would continue working to be part of a solution based on science and urged people to be kind to hospitality workers as they work to stop the spread of the coronavirus. But to me, I think starting the vaccine cards, I think that's a little bit above, over, over the fence there. It's been a challenging time. "But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. Seattle, King County dropping COVID-19 vaccine mandate | king5.com "These steps forward show we are moving in the right direction and reflect that our region's strong COVID response is the result of a united team effort. He says the businesses started requiring vaccine proof in August. 150 businesses in King County receive complaints over not complying COVID-19 information Neve is the Chef at Cafe Lago. 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. King. TTY: Relay: 711 King Countys local indoor mask order ended concurrently with the states, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. Starting this Monday October 25, people ages 12+ will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result to enter many establishments and events within King County . Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. Therefore, it makes sense that vaccination is highly recommended but no longer required for King County and Seattle staff and contractors outside of health care settings. 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. A look at who's exempt from Washington's COVID-19 vaccine mandate 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. 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. Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/covid/current, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Wikang Tagalog/Filipino Tagalog/Filipino, For community and faith-based organizations, L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID19 and reporting cases, L&I Workplace Safety and Health Guidance, Guidance and resources for businesses and employers, Guidance for Non-Health Care Businesses and Organizations, Safe Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance for Public Spaces, Business Health Trust Employer Resources, publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov, submitting a written inquiry or report online. King County businesses and community members have been instrumental in encouraging nation-leading vaccination verification rates, and Im grateful for the extra effort to keep our community safe over these last several months., "The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. The mandate requires most state employees, health care workers and school employees to get. At a news . Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. The job outlook after Seattle, King County lift COVID-19 vaccine For Chris Lacayan, another Filipino business owner, he thinks the mandate is too much. 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. The policy was announced in September 2021 as a temporary measure during the Delta variant surge and to prepare for a potential fall and winter surge. King County Executive King County and City of Seattle announce updates to employee vaccine Modeling produced by the University of Washingtons Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) predicted the vaccine verification could have a significant positive impact in reducing infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. More than 150 restaurants and bars in King County have already implemented some form of vaccine requirement to enter, The Seattle Times reported. isolate away from others if you are ill, quarantine away from others if you are not up-to-date on your vaccinations and are exposed to someone with COVID-19, and get tested when possible if you have symptoms or are exposed. Small restaurants, defined as those with seating capacity for fewer than 12 people, will phase into the mandate on December 6. Todays orders will not impact booking restrictions at King County correctional facilities originally adopted at the beginning of the pandemic, and that remain in effect due to staffing shortages at the correctional facilities. King County, Seattle drop COVID-19 vaccine mandate 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.. Children . 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. Today, nearly 80% of all King County residents are now fully vaccinated and among those who are eligible to get vaccinated, which are people ages 5 and older, 92% have started the vaccination series. Rescinding Vaccination Mandate for Contractors - King County The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. Multiple King County business owners and major sports teams had already implemented their own vaccination verification policies. These steps forward show we are moving in the right direction and reflect that our region's strong COVID response is the result of a united team effort. King County and City of Seattle announce update to employee vaccine mandate 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. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the status of King Countys mask mandate for large outdoor events. The vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve. The vaccine will be covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance, and the cost of the vaccine will be covered for people who are uninsured. Live blog: Workers face termination as vaccine deadline lands 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. Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network. For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. Learn more about eligibility and getting vaccinated in King County. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. Restaurants and bars (including indoor dining) this does not apply to outdoor dining, take-out customers, and places that aren't primarily used as a restaurant, such as grocery stores. So whoever comes in here has to be vaccinated. 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. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. Public Health Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said the move will protect customers and workers through providing safer spaces, protecting the health care system, and helping prevent business closures. King Co proof of vaccine mandate starts Monday; Restaurants try - KOMO State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated. Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health - Seattle & King County confirms a man in his 50s died of coronavirus. The latest setting on King County's dial is a vaccine mandate to enter restaurants, bars, and non-essential businesses. 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. Masks are now credited, by public health officials, with limiting the spread of Covid-19. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. 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. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. "We are at a critical point in this pandemic, with high levels of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and no certainty as to what will follow the Delta variant," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. SEATTLE King County will no longer require businesses to check patrons' COVID-19 vaccination status beginning March 1 as case rates and hospitalizations continue to drop. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. But not everyone is for the new mandate. And King County members of the Washington Nightlife Music Association, a coalition of independently owned music venues, last month called on government officials to implement a vaccination-check mandate and the development of a statewide vaccine verification system. With City employees who had previously been working from home beginning to return to office in mid-March, I look forward to keeping up this collaborative spirit as we drive forward an equitable, community-focused recovery. Request an accommodation 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. 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. Seattle, WA 98104 I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. Masks are also still required on school buses a federal requirement, according to Inslees office. Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. Masks will still be required in some settings. 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. ", "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. See L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID19 and reporting cases. I thought it was easier. RELATED: The Divide Podcast: Seattle's mayor defends indoor vaccine requirement. Local health jurisdictions, some school districts, and individual businesses may still choose to require masks. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. 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, PHPIO@kingcounty.gov, Kristin Elia, Executive Office, 206-477-8209, Main phone: 206-263-9600 RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. Vaccine verification requirements loosened statewide and in King County on March 1. Chinook Building Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. Dismissed for vaccine refusal? The state legislature offers help Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. King County health officer Dr. Jeff . Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. A Health Order issued today by Public Health Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, going into effect on October 25, will protect customers and workers through providing safer spaces, protecting our health care system, and helping prevent business closures. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. It doesnt affect outdoor dining, take-out orders and shopping in places including grocery stores. Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings., Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537, Jamie Housen, Mayor's Office, 206-798-5002, Main phone: 206-263-9600 of Health, PDF), COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses Reference Guide for All Ages, Infographic about boosters if you are immuno-compromised, King County's Strategy for Vaccine Delivery, Principles for Equitable Vaccine Delivery, Data dashboard: Summary of COVID vaccination among King County residents. Masks and Face Coverings | Washington State Department of Health By June 2020, Gov. CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose: There is no booster recommendation for children aged 6 months to 4 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series. 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. Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. King County will stop requiring restaurants and bars to verify customers' vaccination statuses for indoor dining starting March 1, officials announced Wednesday, as case counts and. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. King County will begin requiring customers of restaurants, bars, gyms and other indoor entertainment spaces to show proof of vaccination from COVID-19, or a negative test taken within 72 hours. 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. We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. The case was filed . The updated booster shots will target Omicron variants that are spreading and also the original strain of the COVID virus. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. After a year-and-a-half of COVID-19 controlling and taking away lives, vaccines are the only way to stop this pandemic, prevent more dangerous strains from developing, restore our freedoms and our safety, and return our society to normalcy. But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. Washington State Department of Health guidance. 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. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. 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. Employees also must allow workers to continue wearing masks if they choose and cannot take adverse action against a worker who wears a mask or takes time off to get vaccinated or seek coronavirus-related treatment. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. 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 . says. We don't want to keep going backwards so if we have to take it to this level, then that's what we need to do, Heigh said. For the latest information on masking requirements in the Seattle area, Washington state and U.S., clickhere. However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill. In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today. As a father, Neve says this requirement gives him piece of mind when he returns home to his three-year-old, who can't get the vaccine. 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.



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