STG is proud to support this policy to keep the arts safe for our community. Private businesses can still require masks if they choose, and local governments can enact, continue or reimplement mandates. For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. 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.. That's the plan of 14th District State Rep. Chris Corry of Yakima. 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. In an interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan discusses King County's indoor vaccine mandate. People ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative . Masks will still be required in some settings. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. The directive includes a definition for being "fully vaccinated" as being 14 days after receiving the second dose of a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA or World Health Organization. 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. 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. 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. ", "Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. Enter your zip code in Washington's Vaccine Locator tool or check our Getting Vaccinated page to find a vaccination site near you. The vaccine mandate first went into effect mid-2021. King County 's vaccine requirement has been in effect since October 2021. 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 vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve. 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. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. 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. . The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. other official immunization record from within or outside the United States, including from your health care provider. AboutCareersPrivacyTermsContact UsAdvertise With Us, King County, Seattle, vaccination mandate, TFC News, Lalaine Ignao | TFC News Seattle, Washington. Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12; Gov. For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. The mandate says those who must now get vaccinated have until Oct. 18 to complete their vaccinations. For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. 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. The vaccine verification policy in King County will no longer be in effect as of March 1. The changes come as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations fueled by omicron are declining. Request an accommodation Il permet de dtailler la liste des options de recherche, qui modifieront les termes saisis pour correspondre la slection actuelle. March 1, 2020. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from SAT 6:00 PM PST until SUN 12:00 PM PST, Wenatchee Area, Bryan Kohberger's Pennsylvania warrants: Experts break down key evidence, Morris leads the Seattle Sounders against Real Salt Lake, 'I've been really scared:' Survivor of home invasion sexual assault fighting to keep suspects in jail, Remains found tangled in a fishing line south of Marysville in 1979 identified through DNA, VIDEO: Kent police search for man who stole car with 2 children inside; children later found unharmed, Bryan Kohberger lawyer blasts 'grotesquely twisted' media coverage of stabbing that killed 4 Idaho students, Philadelphia Eagles WR Zach Pascal robbed at gunpoint in Maryland, Thurston County man dead after being hit by car in his own driveway, suspect arrested, VIDEO: Distinct red van may have been used in multiple break-ins in Seattle, Edmonds, Investigators: Former Puyallup police officer accused of rape may be linked to other assault, Skin cancer removed from President Biden's chest, Roof collapses during vacant building fire in Lake City, Seattle Police search for suspect who shot someone in the leg in Belltown, Seattle Police search for hit-and-run driver, SPD: 3 kids arrested for threats, stealing a car, having guns. 99% of city employees have complied with Seattle's vaccine mandate, Mayor's Office says May Jenny Durkan's office announced that as of roughly 2:30 p.m., 99% of the city's 11,000 employees have. No matter what lies ahead, the more vaccinated we are as a community, the safer we will be from this dangerous virus. The Citys actions then and now have always been informed by the science of the pandemic and recommendations of public health officials an approach based on data and dedicated to saving lives. But not everyone is for the new 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. 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. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect Monday. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. We should be doing all we can to ensure the health care system is there to serve our residents. Officials say they have reached an agreement with a "majority" of unions on a soon-to-be-implemented vaccine mandate for King County employees. Children . "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.". Two lawmakers in Washington state want the state and local governments to bring back employees who were fired because they didn't comply with COVID-19 pandemic vaccine mandates. Hospitals are really stretched right now across Washington State. King Countys local indoor mask order ended concurrently with the states, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month. Associate Professor of Medicine and Allergy and Infectious Diseases at University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Paul Thottingal, National Infectious Disease Lead for Kaiser Permanente, Dr. 2023 ABS-CBN Corporation. 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. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. Executive Dow. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. King County . Small restaurants, defined as those with seating capacity for fewer than 12 people, will phase into the mandate on December 6. Say your preferred language when connected. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. Mayor Bruce. The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. But to me, I think starting the vaccine cards, I think that's a little bit above, over, over the fence there. More people are now vaccinated and protected against severe COVID-19. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. 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. As Washington and King County drop masking and vaccination requirements this month, what arts groups are doing is varied, with many performing arts groups extending such requirements through May. Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. TTY: Relay: 711 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. 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. No appointment needed: most pharmacies, clinics, and Public Health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination. Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. 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. 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. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed. Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. For businesses, it is important to: 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. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. 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. Public health highly recommends following the current vaccination guidance which includes a bivalent booster dose for the best protection. 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. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. The updated booster shots will target Omicron variants that are spreading and also the original strain of the COVID virus. 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. This button displays the currently selected search type. "For the people who say I just dont want it well then youre making a choice. King Countys masking requirement for large outdoor events ended Feb. 18. Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. Today, after a record-breaking Omicron surge, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in King County are dropping, and hospitals are better able to care for patient loads. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. 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. 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. He was recently promoted from 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 . In alignment with updated Public Health Seattle and King County guidance, Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Bruce Harrell announced today that King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment effective today. The vaccine mandate for Washington, King County and Seattle city employees would go into effect in October. 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. These workers live in every community in our state, working together and with the public every day to deliver services, Inslee said. The mandate requires most state employees, health care workers and school employees to get. 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? 401 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor 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. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. 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. COVID-19 information BRIER, Wash. The City of Brier is seeing more people apply for it's police department because it doesn't have a vaccine mandate. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hopes that the new order will make public spaces safer for everyone while slowing the spread of infections. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. Isolation and quarantine requests The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". The mask order is the latest in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in Washington state. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. 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. 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. 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. RELATED: State workers seek exemptions to Washington COVID-19 vaccine mandate. 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. 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.. But local leaders announced Wednesday that those verification. The last mandate in Washington, an order requiring masks in health care and correctional facilities, is coming to an end. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. 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. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. At a news . Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care workers. TTY: Relay: 711 TTY: Relay: 711 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. 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. SEATTLE Dozens of Washington state workers have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. 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. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. 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. 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.. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery, said King County Executive Dow Constantine. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. 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. Preventing further COVID infections is a powerful way to protect the health care system. 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. As a father, Neve says this requirement gives him piece of mind when he returns home to his three-year-old, who can't get the vaccine. Say your preferred language when connected. Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. Seattle and King County moved to drop its vaccine mandate on Feb. 6 after nearly two years in effect. 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. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. 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. 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 . Jay Inslee made the announcement on Feb. 28. This order keeps the arts on the path to recovery, while mitigating the most serious health and safety risks for our patrons and their families, Public Health Media Team, PHPIO@kingcounty.gov, Kristin Elia, Executive Office, 206-477-8209, Main phone: 206-263-9600 "But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. 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. 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. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. "The data shows without a doubt that COVID spreads everywhere, and any policy to reduce the spread must similarly apply everywhere," Anton said. Employers will still be required to tell workers when there is a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose: There is no booster recommendation for children aged 6 months to 4 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series. 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. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. Guy Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, Swedish Health Services, Rachel Smith, President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Nate Dwyer, Chief Operating Officer, Seattle Theatre Group, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, vaccine verification policy at restaurants, bars, and gyms/fitness centers alone could have a significant positive impact, Local Health Officer Order Vaccine Verification (September 16, 2021), Health Order webpage, including Frequently Asked Questions, Public Health Insider Blog on Health Order, King County COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard, Outdoor events with 500 people or more such as professional and collegiate sports and entertainment events. 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 . 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. Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online. Local health jurisdictions, some school districts, and individual businesses may still choose to require masks. 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. Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. That work is why we have one of the highest vaccination rates and the lowest cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of any major American city. 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. A negative Covid test from within 72 hours will also be acceptable. 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. . We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. There is no longer a statewide mask mandate for most indoor spaces, which include schools, child care facilities, libraries, restaurants and bars, places of worship, gyms, recreation centers, indoor athletic facilities, or retail establishments like grocery stores. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. King County Executive Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Isolation and quarantine requests "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. King County Executive 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. All Rights Reserved. Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Vaccination and getting boosters when eligible are the most important tools available to prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection.