STG is proud to support this policy to keep the arts safe for our community. 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. Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". The statewide and King County mask requirements for outdoor gatherings of over 500 people ended Feb. 18. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? FAX: 206-296-0194. The order is. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. SEATTLE Washington Gov. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. King County health officer Dr. Jeff . Seattle, WA 98104 Everyone age 6 months and older is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. The order applies inside restaurants and bars. Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. "It just seemed like the tool at our disposal to keep our community safer," said Lucas Neve. Read the full story on the governor's Medium page. "For the people who say I just dont want it well then youre making a choice. Learn more about eligibility and getting vaccinated in King County. 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. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. Children . Executive departments will begin to implement their Future of Work plans, which set out how services will be delivered moving forward, whether thats in-person, remotely, or a hybrid of both. 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. Many public-facing customer service locations will still temporarily operate remotely, and more details on their reopening will be shared at a later date. The mandate required customers and visitors to provide proof they were fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19 before they could participate in a broad array of indoor. Helping state workers who were fired due to Washington State's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network. Ce bouton affiche le type de recherche actuellement slectionn. 2023 ABS-CBN Corporation. 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. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. 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. 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. Jay Inslee in response to the state's vaccine mandate. Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. 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. In addition, the large number of people who were infected during the Omicron surge will also likely result in some additional community immunity, at least for the short term. 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 should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. "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. 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. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. It was three years ago this week that the first case of Covid-19 in the nation was detected and reported in King County. The changes come as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations fueled by omicron are declining. This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. Jay Inslee said. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. 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. I thought it was easier. 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. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. 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. Vaccine verification requirements loosened statewide and in King County on March 1. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. 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. Browse all Safeway locations in the United States for pharmacies and weekly deals on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, beer, wine and liquor. 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. 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. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. A negative Covid test from within 72 hours will also be acceptable. The mandate required customers and visitors to provide proof they were fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19 before they could participate in a broad array of indoor. For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. The mask order is the latest in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in Washington state. Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. RELATED: The Divide Podcast: Seattle's mayor defends indoor vaccine requirement. Request an accommodation 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. TTY: Relay: 711 In addition: Individuals who are immunocompromised may want to take extra precautions. 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. The number of new cases of COVID are leading to far too much suffering. March 1, 2020. 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. 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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. The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry. 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. 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. . Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. No appointment needed: most pharmacies, clinics, and Public Health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination. 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. High levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the highly contagious delta variant prompted the order. The vaccine verification policy in King County will no longer be in effect as of March 1. Masks will still be required in some settings. Isolation and quarantine requests Executive Dow. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. King. 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. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. Masks are now credited, by public health officials, with limiting the spread of Covid-19. King County will begin requiring customers of restaurants, bars, gyms and other indoor entertainment spaces to show proof of vaccination from COVID-19, or a negative test taken within 72 hours. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. 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. The latest setting on King County's dial is a vaccine mandate to enter restaurants, bars, and non-essential businesses. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. Dow Constantine. 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. 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 Fil-Am-owned Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, has already implemented its own vaccine mandate since August. Public health highly recommends following the current vaccination guidance which includes a bivalent booster dose for the best protection. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. 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. The Washington State. Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. 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. In an interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan discusses King County's indoor vaccine mandate. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery, said King County Executive Dow Constantine. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month, Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements to lift on March 12, Mask mandate in WA health care, correctional facilities to end, Fauci should be jailed over COVID lies and mandates, Cruz tells CPAC, Final state emergencies winding down 3 years into pandemic, Troops who refused COVID vaccine still may face discipline, A condition called POTS rose after COVID, and patients cant find care, Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic, Lab leak likely caused COVID pandemic, Energy Dept. Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Asked whether the mandate would isolate those who are unvaccinated, Durkan said that would be their choice. In addition, since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated, meaning nearly 80% of King County residents are now fully vaccinated and 92% of those eligible have started the vaccination series., Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. For businesses, it is important to: Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. of Health, PDF). If you have a complaint and wish to file a grievance, or have a question about possible discrimination, please contact the King County Civil Rights Program at civil-rights.OCR@kingcounty.gov; 206-263-2446; TTY Relay 7-1-1; or 401 5th Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. Vaccination and getting boosters when eligible are the most important tools available to prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. Employers must verify the vaccination status of employees, regardless of work setting. 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.. 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. However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill. For people who are unvaccinated or cannot prove vaccine status, they will be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours, or a negative rapid test result from a testing provider conducted on site at an event or establishment just prior to entry. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Mayor Bruce. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. 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. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. Immune compromised children and adults should also get booster doses when eligible. Comments made at a city . Jay Inslee announced a face mask mandate across the state. Members will have a partner in this every step of the way. 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. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. 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; 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. Officials say more than 98% of King County's 15,000 employeesand 4,000 hired sinceprovided proof of vaccination, while less than 2% were . Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. 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. The lifting of the vaccination mandate for contractors is part of the, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Rescinding Vaccination Mandate for Contractors, Executives action to rescind the countys COVID-19 Proclamation of Emergency that was issued on March 1, 2020. We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. 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. Private businesses can still require masks if they choose, and local governments can enact, continue or reimplement mandates. If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hopes that the new order will make public spaces safer for everyone while slowing the spread of infections. Inslee pushed up the timeline for lifting Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements for schools and businesses to March 12 after federal officials loosened public health guidelines on face coverings. 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. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. 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. 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 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. "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.". Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. 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. 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. 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. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? Dow Constantine. 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. Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments. The intent of the policy was to give additional COVID-19 protection to employees and patrons in high-risk indoor settings while providing more time for people to get fully vaccinated. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions ; Transportation ; Safe Communities . Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. 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. ", "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. 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.