of Health, PDF). For the latest information on masking requirements in the Seattle area, Washington state and U.S., clickhere. 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. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. 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. Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care 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. In-person customer service counters will continue to remain open. "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. 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. Starting October 25, patrons 12-years-old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of entry. 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. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? This gives employees enough time to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer,. Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. 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. 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. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. The vaccine mandate for Washington, King County and Seattle city employees would go into effect in October. 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. 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.. 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. More than 150 restaurants and bars in King County have already implemented some form of vaccine requirement to enter, The Seattle Times reported. If businesses, schools, and government come together, we can help protect our community and help stop this pandemic sooner rather than later.". 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. Say your preferred language when connected. People ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative . TTY: Relay: 711 "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. 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. He says the businesses started requiring vaccine proof in August. For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. craigslist florida miami; raw video download for editing A federal appeals court upholds Biden's vaccine mandate for federal workers. Hospitals are really stretched right now across Washington State. 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. 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. 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. Some local businesses throughout Seattle have been requiring proof of vaccination from customers for weeks. The order is. The case was filed . Here are the latest mask and vaccine-verification policies in King County and Washington state. 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. Seattle Times staff reporters Elise Takahama and Joseph OSullivan contributed to this report. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. But not everyone is for the new mandate. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. . In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today. We're a very small establishment, old, old building, not crazy ventilation. 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. Multiple King County business owners and major sports teams had already implemented their own vaccination verification policies. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. 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. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. Seattle, WA 98104 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. 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. 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. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. 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. says. That's the plan of 14th District State Rep. Chris Corry of Yakima. The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. Filipino-American business owners in the county expressed mixed reactions to the said directive. 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 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. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. 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. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. "For the people who say I just dont want it well then youre making a choice. It doesnt affect outdoor dining, take-out orders and shopping in places including grocery stores. 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. All Rights Reserved. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. Children . 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. "It just seemed like the tool at our disposal to keep our community safer," said Lucas Neve. 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There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. 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. 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. By June 2020, Gov. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. 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. This button displays the currently selected search type. But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. 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. There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. These steps will be important to protect against both current and future COVID-19 surges. 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. Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry. As a critical care nurse here in Seattle, I can tell you that our health care system has reached its breaking point. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill. 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 . There's just no way around it. 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. Helping state workers who were fired due to Washington State's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. IHME's projections show that COVID-19 transmissions will extend beyond 2021. said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of IHME. The order applies inside restaurants and bars. 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. Dow Constantine. We have the tools to slow this down and to prevent not only needless suffering but also the ongoing disruption of our lives. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hopes that the new order will make public spaces safer for everyone while slowing the spread of infections. 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? Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network. The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. 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. View this document in other languages: Current guidance on who can get a booster dose, when to get it, and which type to get: CDC recommends that anyone ages 5 and older who have moderately or severely weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) get a third dose of vaccine. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. 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. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? "But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. Dow Constantine. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online. Public health highly recommends following the current vaccination guidance which includes a bivalent booster dose for the best protection. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. 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Starting this Monday October 25, people ages 12+ will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result to enter many establishments and events within King County . 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. 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. King County becomes the third Washington county to put down such a requirement. Less than 2% of employees were . SEATTLE - Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". 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. See L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID19 and reporting cases. King County businesses and community members have been instrumental in encouraging nation-leading vaccination verification rates, and Im grateful for the extra effort to keep our community safe over these last several months., "The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. In addition: Individuals who are immunocompromised may want to take extra precautions. A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 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. "Our data has shown vaccines, masking, and social distancing can reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases. King County Executive 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. Compare vaccine types: Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. 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. 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.