Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. The governor made the announcement at a press conference on Monday at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. 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. Helping state workers who were fired due to Washington State's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. 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. Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. Gov. SEATTLE Washington Gov. March 1, 2020. SEATTLE King County will no longer require businesses to check patrons' COVID-19 vaccination status beginning March 1 as case rates and hospitalizations continue to drop. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. Vaccine mandate for King County 27 Oct 2021, 5:52 am Save The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. Duchins order is not meant to be permanent and will be reviewed within six months after the implementation date, officials said. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. Everyone age 6 months and older is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. Businesses should continue to improve ventilation, support vaccination for employees, and encourage employees to stay home when sick. 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. 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. ", "Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. 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. 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. 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? 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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. 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 . printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. 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. 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 Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. Masks are now credited, by public health officials, with limiting the spread of Covid-19. WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Some King County business owners say within the short time frame of the county's proof of vaccine mandate, the impact has been severe. 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. King County, the City of Seattle, and Public Health developed the vaccine verification policy in consultation with Public Health's Pandemic and Racism Community Advisory Group, cities, small businesses, chambers of commerce, labor unions, trade associations, sports teams, entertainment venues, community groups, and faith-based leaders throughout the county to create a policy that aims to be workable, fair, and equitable for businesses and residents. Washington State Department of Health guidance. 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. "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. SEATTLE Dozens of Washington state workers have filed a lawsuit against Gov. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. ", We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. RELATED: State workers seek exemptions to Washington COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. 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. We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. The vaccine mandate first went into effect mid-2021. 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.. It comes as the state and the nation pass another major pandemic milestone. 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. 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. 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 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. King Countys masking requirement for large outdoor events ended Feb. 18. 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. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. In accordance with Federal civil rights law, Public Health Seattle & King County does not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of an individuals protected class, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, and marital status. Request an accommodation If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. The requirements are similar to those recently enacted in New York, San Francisco and New Orleans, as well as in Washington states Clallam and Jefferson counties. If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. 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. 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. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. 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. As a critical care nurse here in Seattle, I can tell you that our health care system has reached its breaking point. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. 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.. Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. 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. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery, said King County Executive Dow Constantine. Chan's Place in Woodinville. The Washington State. In-person customer service counters will continue to remain open. Jay Inslee in response to the state's vaccine mandate. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated. 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. Here are the latest mask and vaccine-verification policies in King County and Washington state. Small restaurants, defined as those with seating capacity for fewer than 12 people, will phase into the mandate on December 6. But Washington state health . 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. 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. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. 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. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. STG is proud to support this policy to keep the arts safe for our community. 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. 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. If businesses, schools, and government come together, we can help protect our community and help stop this pandemic sooner rather than later.". Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Our aim in King County is to efficiently and equitably vaccinate as many eligible King County residents as possible in order to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the impact of the pandemic on our community. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. King County health officer Dr. Jeff . TTY: Relay: 711 Isolation and quarantine requests 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. King County officials made the announcement Wednesday. TTY: Relay: 711 Dow Constantine. Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination. 401 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. Say your preferred language when connected. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. 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. 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. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. 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. Compare vaccine types: Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept.
Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings.. 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. Having been on the front lines since the beginning, and now responding to this latest surge, we know this is not sustainable for our communities or our caregivers. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. 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. It was three years ago this week that the first case of Covid-19 in the nation was detected and reported in King 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. 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. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. At a news . 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. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. 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. 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. of Health, PDF). Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. Mayor Bruce. 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. King County worked with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to gather business feedback to inform the policy and conduct outreach and technical assistance once the policy was in place. 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. . Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. 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. Enter your zip code in Washington's Vaccine Locator tool or check our Getting Vaccinated page to find a vaccination site near you. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions ; Transportation ; Safe Communities . 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. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. The statewide and King County mask requirements for outdoor gatherings of over 500 people ended Feb. 18. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. ", "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. 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; Less than 2% of employees were . Comments made at a city . Browse all Safeway locations in the United States for pharmacies and weekly deals on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, beer, wine and liquor. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today. "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. 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. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. Learn more about eligibility and getting vaccinated in King County. Charge you directly for any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance. 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. Vaccine verification requirements loosened statewide and in King County on March 1. King. For more business resources about this policy change, please visit the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce's website: kcvaxverified.com, Infographic about why the vaccine verification policy is lifting on March 1, 2022, Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/verify, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post, Encourage employees to stay home when sick. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. Employers will still be required to tell workers when there is a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health - Seattle & King County confirms a man in his 50s died of coronavirus. Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12; Gov. "Our data has shown vaccines, masking, and social distancing can reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. 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 Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. 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. 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. . 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.. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. The vaccine mandate for Washington, King County and Seattle city employees would go into effect in October. King County Executive
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. 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. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. League of governors, PNP to meet following Degamo slay, VP Duterte: Transport strike pointless, a disruption to learning, Abed, Shopify Rebellion end Lima Major run at Top 4, 'Free agent' Sharon pens heartfelt message for ABS-CBN, Suspect in Degamo slay killed in shootout with police, Pinaniniwalaang sinkhole, nadiskubre sa Calayan, Cagayan, 'Everything Everywhere' sweeps Spirit Awards ahead of Oscars, Prince Harry says always felt 'different' from other UK royals, Vietnam wins Miss Eco International; PH bet in Top 21, Marianne Williamson announces White House challenge to Biden, Korean actor Lee Je-hoon open to working on PH project, Gina Iniong blazes new trail for women in combat sports, Tatay nag-alok ng libreng sakay sa pagpasa ng anak sa engineering exam, Pinoy authors at artists bumida sa Emirates Literary Festival 2023, 2 more 'hazing victims' in Salilig case urged to come forward, Degamo received death threats, police say, PH food products ibinida sa business matching mission sa Bahrain. The Moderna vaccine is approved for anyone age 6 months to 5 years or age 18 and over. . That means face masks are coming off for all who want to do so in most places starting June 29. Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. 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.
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