To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. KING COUNTY, Wash. - Gov. Dow Constantine. With new COVID-19 cases and hospitalization decreasing, and over 87% of King County residents over age 12 fully vaccinated, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced Public Health Seattle & King County is lifting the local health order requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry into indoor recreational settings, or outdoor events. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. So whoever comes in here has to be vaccinated.
Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12; Gov. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. It was three years ago this week that the first case of Covid-19 in the nation was detected and reported in King County. That's the plan of 14th District State Rep. Chris Corry of Yakima. A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. RELATED: State workers seek exemptions to Washington COVID-19 vaccine mandate. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. 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. 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. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. With restrictions about COVID-19 rapidly changing, please check with individual departments to be sure a building is open before you seek in-person service. There's just no way around it. For more business resources about this policy change, please visit the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce's website: kcvaxverified.com, Infographic about why the vaccine verification policy is lifting on March 1, 2022, Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/verify, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post, Encourage employees to stay home when sick. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. 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. RELATED: The Divide Podcast: Seattle's mayor defends indoor vaccine requirement. Chinook Building This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care workers. The mandate required customers and visitors to provide proof they were fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19 before they could participate in a broad array of indoor. Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. High levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the highly contagious delta variant prompted the order. Masks will still be required in some settings. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. 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. King County has received complaints about 150 businesses as of last week that members of the public feel haven't been complying with a new countywide policy requiring patrons to show proof of. Say your preferred language when connected. The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. 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. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. TTY: Relay: 711 We made that call on our own and we think it's absolutely the right thing to do, and we're prepared to stand behind that. Private businesses can still require masks if they choose, and local governments can enact, continue or reimplement mandates. These steps will be important to protect against both current and future COVID-19 surges. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect Monday. 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. As a critical care nurse here in Seattle, I can tell you that our health care system has reached its breaking point. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. King County 's vaccine requirement has been in effect since October 2021. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions ; Transportation ; Safe Communities . Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. We're a very small establishment, old, old building, not crazy ventilation. 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, 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. It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. 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.. . COVID-19 vaccine is free and no insurance required. 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. The governor made the announcement at a press conference on Monday at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. Jay Inslee announced a face mask mandate across the state. In-person customer service counters will continue to remain open. Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". The Moderna vaccine is approved for anyone age 6 months to 5 years or age 18 and over. 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. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. Stay connected withQ13News on all platforms: DOWNLOAD:Q13 News and Weather AppsWATCH:Q13 News LiveSUBSCRIBE:Q13 FOX on YouTubeDAILY BRIEF: Sign Up For Our NewsletterFOLLOW:Facebook|Twitter|Instagram. 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. . For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. 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. 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. Request an accommodation If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. Additionally, King County and the City of Seattle announced their remote employees would begin returning to offices in March. Here are the latest mask and vaccine-verification policies in King County and Washington state. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. The policy required either verification of full vaccination or a recent negative test to enter indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments, indoor restaurants and bars, and outdoor events with 500 people or more. 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. Chan's Place in Woodinville. Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. Gov. As employers prepare to implement the new vaccine verification program over the next several weeks, the Chamber is ready to be their champion. 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. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. King. 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 . The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. 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. 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 Seattle Times staff reporters Elise Takahama and Joseph OSullivan contributed to this report. We have the tools to slow this down and to prevent not only needless suffering but also the ongoing disruption of our lives. Vaccine mandate for King County 27 Oct 2021, 5:52 am Save The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. But Washington state health . Members will have a partner in this every step of the way. For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. 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. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. 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. "King County's vaccine verification program will prevent infections, hospitalizations and deaths, safeguard our healthcare system, and provide safer spaces for the public and for workers. WA to end masking requirement in health care, correctional facilities, Fire on Lake City Way in Seattle raises smoke, flooding concerns, One Seattle business is taking a stand against tipping mania, Tacoma woman refusing tuberculosis treatment continues to face arrest, Be bolder to get light rail done, expert panel tells Sound Transit. That means face masks are coming off for all who want to do so in most places starting June 29. Following updated public health guidelines, King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. By June 2020, Gov. The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. The countys order includes exceptions for take-out orders, outdoor dining, and grocery stores. Press inquiries | 360.902.4136, Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions, Governor's Distinguished Managers Association, Governors Task Force on Independent Investigations of Police Use of Force, Request a Ceremonial Proclamation, Greeting or Letter. 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 everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. Thanks to a tight-knit partnership with King County, we are getting information and tools ready to make compliance simple, and we have built a support network of experts to help businesses of all sizes throughout our region. For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. 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. 401 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor 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. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. The order is. the Washington State Nurses Association, and . 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. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. The directive includes a definition for being "fully vaccinated" as being 14 days after receiving the second dose of a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA or World Health Organization. This applies to executive cabinet agencies, but the governor encouraged all others such as higher education, local governments, the legislative branch, other statewide elected officials and organizations in the private sector to do the same. Preventing further COVID infections is a powerful way to protect the health care system. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. More people are now vaccinated and protected against severe COVID-19. Learn more about eligibility and getting vaccinated in King County. King County becomes the third Washington county to put down such a requirement. 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.
2023 FOX Television Stations, from SAT 6:00 PM PST until SUN 12:00 PM PST, Wenatchee Area, Bryan Kohberger's Pennsylvania warrants: Experts break down key evidence, Morris leads the Seattle Sounders against Real Salt Lake, 'I've been really scared:' Survivor of home invasion sexual assault fighting to keep suspects in jail, Remains found tangled in a fishing line south of Marysville in 1979 identified through DNA, VIDEO: Kent police search for man who stole car with 2 children inside; children later found unharmed, Bryan Kohberger lawyer blasts 'grotesquely twisted' media coverage of stabbing that killed 4 Idaho students, Philadelphia Eagles WR Zach Pascal robbed at gunpoint in Maryland, Thurston County man dead after being hit by car in his own driveway, suspect arrested, VIDEO: Distinct red van may have been used in multiple break-ins in Seattle, Edmonds, Investigators: Former Puyallup police officer accused of rape may be linked to other assault, Skin cancer removed from President Biden's chest, Roof collapses during vacant building fire in Lake City, Seattle Police search for suspect who shot someone in the leg in Belltown, Seattle Police search for hit-and-run driver, SPD: 3 kids arrested for threats, stealing a car, having guns. Executive Constantine and Mayor Harrell also announced that restrictions on in-office work will be lifted, and remote employees will begin returning to the office in March. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. Jay Inslee made the announcement on Feb. 28. March 1, 2020. 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 . "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. 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, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health Seattle & King County. Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health - Seattle & King County confirms a man in his 50s died of coronavirus. 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. The last mandate in Washington, an order requiring masks in health care and correctional facilities, is coming to an end. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. Browse all Safeway locations in the United States for pharmacies and weekly deals on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, beer, wine and liquor. 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? KING COUNTY, Wash. - Starting Monday, a new health order goes into effect across King County. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. 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.. says. Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. Many public-facing customer service locations will still temporarily operate remotely, and more details on their reopening will be shared at a later date.