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. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? The lifting of the vaccination mandate for contractors is part of the Executive's action to rescind the county's COVID-19 Proclamation of Emergency that was issued on March 1, 2020 . The updated booster shots will target Omicron variants that are spreading and also the original strain of the COVID virus. Officials say more than 98% of King County's 15,000 employeesand 4,000 hired sinceprovided proof of vaccination, while less than 2% were . For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. Vaccine mandate for King County - Washington Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. 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. For children aged 6 months4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. King Co proof of vaccine mandate starts Monday; Restaurants try - KOMO The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. Rescinding Vaccination Mandate for Contractors - King County Timeline: A look back at Washington state's COVID-19 response By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Employers will still be required to tell workers when there is a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. In alignment with CDC, the Washington Department of Health recommends workers and passengers two years of age or older wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings, including both conveyances and transportation hubs. other official immunization record from within or outside the United States, including from your health care provider. 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. We also know the COVID-19 vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools for preventing severe illness and hospitalizations, so we support the announcement today that we believe will help encourage everyone who can get vaccinated to get vaccinated. In an interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan discusses King County's indoor vaccine mandate. COVID-19 vaccine verification requirements for most businesses in King County have been in effect since October of 2021. Vaccine mandate for King County - Washington Forum King County 's vaccine requirement has been in effect since October 2021. Port of Seattle on LinkedIn: Lukas Crippen Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. 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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. COVID-19 information Here's the latest mask and COVID vaccine requirements in WA and King County Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. Because we dont know yet how long this immunity lasts or have a way to test for it in individuals, vaccination is recommended for everyone even those who have been previously infected. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. 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. 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. Members will have a partner in this every step of the way. People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. King County officials made the announcement Wednesday. KUOW - Final statewide masking mandate to end in WA 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. A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. 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. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. More than 150 restaurants and bars in King County have already implemented some form of vaccine requirement to enter, The Seattle Times reported. Filipino-American business owners in the county expressed mixed reactions to the said directive. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. I thought it was easier. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hopes that the new order will make public spaces safer for everyone while slowing the spread of infections. That work is why we have one of the highest vaccination rates and the lowest cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of any major American city. King County reaches deal with 'majority' of unions on vaccine mandate Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. All Rights Reserved. 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. We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. Everyone age 6 months and older is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. With King Countys high level of vaccination booster uptake and lower levels of community spread, hospitalizations due to COVID infection remained at a safe level, making the overall risk forecast low enough to lift the mandate for employees, volunteers, and contractors. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. At the City of Seattle, more than 99% of employees provided proof of vaccination or received an accommodation, while less than 1% were separated at that time. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. 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.. Local governments still have the authority to continue or reimplement mask mandates, and private businesses can still require employees and customers to wear masks, according to Inslees office. Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. Jay Inslee said. Washington State Department of Health guidance. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. "The data shows without a doubt that COVID spreads everywhere, and any policy to reduce the spread must similarly apply everywhere," Anton said. Ce bouton affiche le type de recherche actuellement slectionn. High levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the highly contagious delta variant prompted the order. 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. We have the tools to slow this down and to prevent not only needless suffering but also the ongoing disruption of our lives. 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. 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. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. 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. 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. 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. Ben Brooks on LinkedIn: Google Releases A/B Testing Partners to Replace There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. 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. King County will end COVID vaccine requirements at restaurants, bars Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. The Moderna vaccine is approved for anyone age 6 months to 5 years or age 18 and over. Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network. 401 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor Dismissed for vaccine refusal? The state legislature offers help 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. It was three years ago this week that the first case of Covid-19 in the nation was detected and reported in King County. See L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID19 and reporting cases. 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 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. Some, like Max Heigh, a Filipino business owner in the area, think it's necessary to stay safe amid the pandemic. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. 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. 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. What you need to know about mask, vaccine rules at Seattle-area arts 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. The Fil-Am-owned Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, has already implemented its own vaccine mandate since August. King County customers of restaurants, theaters, gyms must show proof of CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. 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. Washington announces COVID vaccine mandate for state workers, health 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. 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. 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. A requirement for vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter higher risk public spaces is a sensible step to get our community back to where we all want to be. Immune compromised children and adults should also get booster doses when eligible. 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. 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. Several jurisdictions have already adopted some form of vaccine verification policy, including New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles County, the State of California, British Columbia in Canada, and Clallam and Jefferson counties in Washington state. We applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. Unvaccinated officers apply for jobs at Brier Police Department - KING-TV 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. 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. 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Dow Constantine. 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. For City of Seattle employees, this means that departments will begin to bring more than 5,000 employees who have been remote back to the office based on business needs and work plans. Chan's Place in Woodinville. 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. March 1, 2020. Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings.. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. ", We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. Washington's mask order in healthcare facilities ends April 3 | king5.com Businesses will no longer be required to check customers proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, to enter restaurants and bars, indoor recreational events and establishments, or outdoor events. 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. At a news . 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. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. Jay Inslee announced on Monday that all Washington state employees as well as heath and long-term care providers are required to be fully vaccinated. 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. For businesses, it is important to: 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. 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.