Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. Duchins order is not meant to be permanent and will be reviewed within six months after the implementation date, officials said. RELATED: State workers seek exemptions to Washington COVID-19 vaccine mandate. TTY: Relay: 711 To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. ", "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. Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. 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. Preventing further COVID infections is a powerful way to protect the health care system. Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; however, additional healthcare services can be provided at the same time and billed as appropriate. 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. 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. 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. Request an accommodation If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. 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. Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. Throughout the pandemic, King County and the City of Seattle have used the most up-to-date recommendations and expertise from Public Health officials to inform policy decisions to adapt to the conditions and threats from the virus. 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. It comes as the state and the nation pass another major pandemic milestone. Dow Constantine. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. 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 . 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. 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.. We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. 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. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. 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. 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Multiple King County business owners and major sports teams had already implemented their own vaccination verification policies. 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. Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. See L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID19 and reporting cases. Seattle, WA 98104 IHME's projections show that COVID-19 transmissions will extend beyond 2021. said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of IHME. 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. By June 2020, Gov. 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. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. If businesses, schools, and government come together, we can help protect our community and help stop this pandemic sooner rather than later.". Neve is the Chef at Cafe Lago. Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments. Comments made at a city . Together, we can help put an end to this pandemic and regain freedom from COVID-19. AboutCareersPrivacyTermsContact UsAdvertise With Us, King County, Seattle, vaccination mandate, TFC News, Lalaine Ignao | TFC News Seattle, Washington. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. KING COUNTY, Wash. - Gov. Charge you directly for any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance. King County Executive 401 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor 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 . Browse all Safeway locations in the United States for pharmacies and weekly deals on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, beer, wine and liquor. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. 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. Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. 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. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? ", We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. 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. Officials say they have reached an agreement with a "majority" of unions on a soon-to-be-implemented vaccine mandate for King County employees. 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. 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. COVID-19 vaccine verification requirements for most businesses in King County have been in effect since October of 2021. Say your preferred language when connected. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. Asked whether the mandate would isolate those who are unvaccinated, Durkan said that would be their choice. Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. 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. Weve seen an 80% decrease in COVID-19 incidence rates and a 60% decrease in hospitalization rates since COVID-19 cases peaked locally in mid-January. 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. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. These steps will be important to protect against both current and future COVID-19 surges. But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. Request an accommodation "But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. 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. . I thought it was easier. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. King County Public Health officials said on Tuesday that 70% of residents ages 16 and up had received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson inoculation. The vaccine mandate first went into effect mid-2021. There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. 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. 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. Officials say more than 98% of King County's 15,000 employeesand 4,000 hired sinceprovided proof of vaccination, while less than 2% were . 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. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. . These workers live in every community in our state, working together and with the public every day to deliver services, Inslee said. Anthony Anton, president and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, said in a statement Thursday that the announcement creates different standards for different types of eating places and no additional standards for most businesses. The announcement comes as Washington is experiencing a severe increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations in every county, due to the Delta variant, with the overwhelming majority of cases and hospitalizations being among unvaccinated Washingtonians. If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. Vaccine verification requirements loosened statewide and in King County on March 1. The last mandate in Washington, an order requiring masks in health care and correctional facilities, is coming to an end. 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. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. As a critical care nurse here in Seattle, I can tell you that our health care system has reached its breaking point. 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. 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. 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? 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. 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. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. As employers prepare to implement the new vaccine verification program over the next several weeks, the Chamber is ready to be their champion. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine 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. Isolation and quarantine requests The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated. "For the people who say I just dont want it well then youre making a choice. Businesses should continue to improve ventilation, support vaccination for employees, and encourage employees to stay home when sick. The mandate says those who must now get vaccinated have until Oct. 18 to complete their vaccinations. Public Health, King County, and City of Seattle will be working with partners to provide technical support and educational materials to businesses and organizations implementing the order. 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. Local health jurisdictions, some school districts, and individual businesses may still choose to require masks. "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. The order is. 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. 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. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. 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. It was three years ago this week that the first case of Covid-19 in the nation was detected and reported in King County. Jay Inslee today announced a requirement for most state workers, and on-site contractors and volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. 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. 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. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. 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; 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. The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. Less than 2% of employees were . 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. Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network. Hospitals are really stretched right now across Washington State. 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. 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. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. 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 mask order is the latest in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in Washington state. All Rights Reserved. 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. Enter your zip code in Washington's Vaccine Locator tool or check our Getting Vaccinated page to find a vaccination site near you. For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. 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. 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 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. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. The mandate requires most state employees, health care workers and school employees to get. Learn more about eligibility and getting vaccinated in King County. 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. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. Small restaurants, defined as those with seating capacity for fewer than 12 people, will phase into the mandate on December 6. King County Executive 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. King Countys masking requirement for large outdoor events ended Feb. 18. the Washington State Nurses Association, and . The Washington State. Private businesses can still require masks if they choose, and local governments can enact, continue or reimplement mandates. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. For businesses, it is important to: He says the businesses started requiring vaccine proof in August. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. 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. 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. Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. Vaccinations are free and health insurance is not required. 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 . 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., The vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve, said Mayor Harrell. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. Vaccine mandate for King County 27 Oct 2021, 5:52 am Save The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. "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. The vaccine verification policy in King County will no longer be in effect as of March 1. But not everyone is for the new 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. This gives employees enough time to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer,. Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537, Main phone: 206-263-9600 Members will have a partner in this every step of the way. Please note that while many industry sectors such as restaurants, bars, gyms, retails stores and other businesses have returned to normal capacity and operations, individual businesses may choose to maintain restrictions as they deem appropriate for the health and safety of their workers and customers. 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. For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. Public and constituent inquiries | 360.902.4111 This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. 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.
