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. Of the 51 deaths in King County from COVID-19 over the last 28 days, Duchin said 90% have been people 65 years or older. 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. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. 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. 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. Hospitals are really stretched right now across Washington State. 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. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. Chan's Place in Woodinville. For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. Immune compromised children and adults should also get booster doses when eligible. 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. 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. For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. COVID-19 vaccine verification requirements for most businesses in King County have been in effect since October of 2021. 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. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. In addition, since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated, meaning nearly 80% of King County residents are now fully vaccinated and 92% of those eligible have started the vaccination series., Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. Preventing further COVID infections is a powerful way to protect the health care system. Children . We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. A lot of people just want to go out, go on with their lives. . other official immunization record from within or outside the United States, including from your health care provider. 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. 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? The case was filed . Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. 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. The Moderna vaccine is approved for anyone age 6 months to 5 years or age 18 and over. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. 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. 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. Washington will lift the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for health care and education workers, but employers can choose to mandate vaccines if they wish. 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. 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. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. As a member of the Seattle & King County community, as a parent of two children in local schools, and as an infectious diseases physician who has worked on fighting the pandemic since January of 2020, I am in very strong support of the actions being taken by Public Health Seattle & King County. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hopes that the new order will make public spaces safer for everyone while slowing the spread of infections. Many public-facing customer service locations will still temporarily operate remotely, and more details on their reopening will be shared at a later date. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. I thought it was easier. TTY: Relay: 711 Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month, Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements to lift on March 12, Mask mandate in WA health care, correctional facilities to end, Fauci should be jailed over COVID lies and mandates, Cruz tells CPAC, Final state emergencies winding down 3 years into pandemic, Troops who refused COVID vaccine still may face discipline, A condition called POTS rose after COVID, and patients cant find care, Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic, Lab leak likely caused COVID pandemic, Energy Dept. 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.. 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. Gov. To keep employees and the community safe and healthy, in mid-2021 that included requiring all county and city employees, contractors, and volunteers to show proof they had received the initial COVID-19 vaccination series. The vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve. Request an accommodation Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. The order applies inside restaurants and bars. 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. 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, said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of 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. 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. 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. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. 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. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. STG is proud to support this policy to keep the arts safe for our community. Dow Constantine. 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. 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. 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? 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. 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.. 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. Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. 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. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. Together, we can help put an end to this pandemic and regain freedom from COVID-19. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. For the latest information on masking requirements in the Seattle area, Washington state and U.S., clickhere. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. Seattle and King County moved to drop its vaccine mandate on Feb. 6 after nearly two years in effect. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. 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. Seattle Times staff reporters Elise Takahama and Joseph OSullivan contributed to this report. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. says. 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. 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. 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. 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. Jay Inslee said. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. 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 for large events is no longer required statewide. Dow Constantine. 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 governor made the announcement at a press conference on Monday at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. These workers live in every community in our state, working together and with the public every day to deliver services, Inslee said. In-person customer service counters will continue to remain open. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. Filipino-American business owners in the county expressed mixed reactions to the said directive. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. 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. Charge you directly for any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. 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. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect Monday. RELATED: State workers seek exemptions to Washington COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. 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. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. 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.. 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 applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. 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. Vaccination and getting boosters when eligible are the most important tools available to prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. So whoever comes in here has to be vaccinated. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the status of King Countys mask mandate for large outdoor events. That means face masks are coming off for all who want to do so in most places starting June 29. 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. 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. 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 data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. Here are the latest mask and vaccine-verification policies in King County and Washington state. "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. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. 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. 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. But Washington state health . It's been a challenging time. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. RELATED: Washington state troopers, other workers sue over vaccine mandate. 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. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's 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. Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online. 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 We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. 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