Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online. King Countys vaccination verification policy went into effect on October 25, 2021. As a critical care nurse here in Seattle, I can tell you that our health care system has reached its breaking point. FAX: 206-296-0194, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County, Heather Likins, a registered nurse and member of the Washington State Nurses Association, Cassie Sauer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Washington State Hospital Association, Dr. Christopher Murray, Director, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Dr. John Lynch, Medical Director, Harborview Medical Center Infection Prevention and Control; 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. 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. Local health jurisdictions, some school districts, and individual businesses may still choose to require masks. The Seattle Metro Chamber strongly and actively supports vaccination because we know it is the path out of this pandemic and toward an equitable economic recovery. 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 civil-rights.OCR@kingcounty.gov; 206-263-2446; TTY Relay 7-1-1; or 401 5th Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104. The governor made the announcement at a press conference on Monday at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. Masks are now credited, by public health officials, with limiting the spread of Covid-19. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. 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. 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. Washington will lift the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for health care and education workers, but employers can choose to mandate vaccines if they wish. "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 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. "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. 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. But local leaders announced Wednesday that those verification. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. 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. ", "Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. Browse all Safeway locations in the United States for pharmacies and weekly deals on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, beer, wine and liquor. 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. Small restaurants, defined as those with seating capacity for fewer than 12 people, will phase into the mandate on December 6. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine is approved for anyone age 18 and over, however in most instances the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines are preferred. 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. 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.. 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. 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 . We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. 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. 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. King County Executive
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Hospital intensive care units are filled with unvaccinated patients who are extremely sick with COVID-19, causing significant strain on health care workers trying to provide the best possible care to all of our patients. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. 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. A lot of people just want to go out, go on with their lives. 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. 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. COVID-19 vaccine verification requirements for most businesses in King County have been in effect since October of 2021. 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. In an interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan discusses King County's indoor vaccine mandate. Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. 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. Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. More than 98% of King Countys nearly 15,000 employees provided proof of vaccination at the time the mandate launched and the nearly 4,000 employees hired since, while less than 2% were separated at that time due to the requirement. We have the tools to slow this down and to prevent not only needless suffering but also the ongoing disruption of our lives. It comes as the state and the nation pass another major pandemic milestone. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Some, like Max Heigh, a Filipino business owner in the area, think it's necessary to stay safe amid the pandemic. It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in 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. 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? We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. The number of new cases of COVID are leading to far too much suffering. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. This button displays the currently selected search type. However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill. 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. TTY: Relay: 711 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. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. It will apply to: The order gives the option for a longer preparation period for smaller restaurants and bars with a seating capacity of 12 or less, with an implementation date of December 6. Comments made at a city . It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We have a duty to protect them from the virus, they have the right to be protected, and the communities they serve and live in deserve protection as well.. 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. The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. 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.. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. King County becomes the third Washington county to put down such a requirement. SEATTLE Washington Gov. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. We applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. With over 85 percent of King County residents having received at least their first vaccine dose, vaccine verification will help keep people safe and keep businesses open. 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. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. 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. 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. The case was filed . 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. Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. 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. 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. We're a very small establishment, old, old building, not crazy ventilation. COVID-19 information Washington's indoor mask mandate which was initially implemented in 2020, then nixed in early 2021, only to be reinstated weeks later is set to lift in most places on March 21. 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. Last week, several local sports teams and venues, including the Seattle Kraken, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Storm, Seattle Thunderbirds, University of Washington Huskies, and all events at Climate Pledge Arena adopted vaccination verification policies. 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. 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. But not everyone is for the new 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. A negative Covid test from within 72 hours will also be acceptable. 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. The vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. RELATED: State workers seek exemptions to Washington COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Public and constituent inquiries | 360.902.4111 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. 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. Many public-facing customer service locations will still temporarily operate remotely, and more details on their reopening will be shared at a later date. 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. RELATED: Washington state troopers, other workers sue over vaccine mandate. But to me, I think starting the vaccine cards, I think that's a little bit above, over, over the fence there.
"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.". Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. No appointment needed: most pharmacies, clinics, and Public Health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Chinook Building 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. 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.