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Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. Executive Dow. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. Request an accommodation Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. 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. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. 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. 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. Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. . Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. In addition: Individuals who are immunocompromised may want to take extra precautions. Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. 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. 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. Helping state workers who were fired due to Washington State's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. The Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as the original COVID-19, which makes increasing vaccination rates even more important to slowing disease spread and protecting people from hospitalization and death. Say your preferred language when connected. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. We are thrilled to hear that recent public health data has encouraged King County leaders to move our community and our businesses into the next phase of the pandemic and prepare for the sunset of vaccine verification. KING COUNTY, Wash. After nearly two years, King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. KING COUNTY, Wash. - Starting Monday, a new health order goes into effect across King County. Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, use high quality, well-fitting face masks, improve indoor air quality through ventilation and/or use of HEPA filtration, avoid crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. A negative Covid test from within 72 hours will also be acceptable. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. It's been a challenging time. Less than 2% of employees were . To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. 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. He was recently promoted from But not everyone is for the new mandate. Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. Multiple King County business owners and major sports teams had already implemented their own vaccination verification policies. We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed. 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. 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. 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. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. UW's IHME projects our outbreak to worsen in the next six months with hundreds of thousands of additional cases, thousands of additional hospitalizations, and approximately a thousand additional deaths, with the majority among unvaccinated people. 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 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. Employers must verify the vaccination status of employees, regardless of work setting. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. 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. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from 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. SEATTLE Dozens of Washington state workers have filed a lawsuit against Gov. 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. 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; The vaccine mandate for Washington, King County and Seattle city employees would go into effect in October. There's just no way around it. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. 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. 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. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. 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. Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/covid/vaccine, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Wikang Tagalog/Filipino Tagalog/Filipino, For community and faith-based organizations, Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. 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. 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? Modeling produced by the University of Washingtons Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) predicted the vaccine verification could have a significant positive impact in reducing infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. 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. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 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. . 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. We should be doing all we can to ensure the health care system is there to serve our residents. 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. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. But to me, I think starting the vaccine cards, I think that's a little bit above, over, over the fence there. Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. 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 . Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry. The Washington State. 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. For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. For Chris Lacayan, another Filipino business owner, he thinks the mandate is too much. 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. Some local businesses throughout Seattle have been requiring proof of vaccination from customers for weeks. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect Monday. Comments made at a city . We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. SEATTLE - Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. says. Members will have a partner in this every step of the way. 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. Learn more about eligibility and getting vaccinated in King County. Several forms of vaccination proof will be permitted under the order, including: The order defines full vaccination as two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two weeks after completing another approved vaccine. 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. 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. Employers will still be required to tell workers when there is a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. "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.". 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. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. 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. An analysis by the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) conducted for King County found that the vaccine verification policy at restaurants, bars, and gyms/fitness centers alone could have a significant positive impact, preventing between 17,900 and 75,900 infections, 421 and 1,760 hospitalizations, and 63 and 257 deaths locally over six months with the order in place. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. Children . printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. These workers live in every community in our state, working together and with the public every day to deliver services, Inslee said. We applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. 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. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. It will be reviewed no later than six months after the October 25th implementation date to assess its continued need based on future outbreak conditions. 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. FAX: 206-296-0194. Isolation and quarantine requests 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. 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. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. "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," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 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. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. 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. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. That's the plan of 14th District State Rep. Chris Corry of Yakima. BRIER, Wash. The City of Brier is seeing more people apply for it's police department because it doesn't have a vaccine mandate. 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. The vaccine mandate first went into effect mid-2021. Dow Constantine. 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. We have the tools to slow this down and to prevent not only needless suffering but also the ongoing disruption of our lives. No appointment needed: most pharmacies, clinics, and Public Health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination. Hospitals are really stretched right now across Washington State. Say your preferred language when connected. 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. 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 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. 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. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. Dow Constantine. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. King Countys masking requirement for large outdoor events ended Feb. 18. Everyone age 6 months and older is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health - Seattle & King County confirms a man in his 50s died of coronavirus. SEATTLE Washington Gov. But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. 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. Officials say more than 98% of King County's 15,000 employeesand 4,000 hired sinceprovided proof of vaccination, while less than 2% were . More than 150 restaurants and bars in King County have already implemented some form of vaccine requirement to enter, The Seattle Times reported. 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.. 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 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. Officials say they have reached an agreement with a "majority" of unions on a soon-to-be-implemented vaccine mandate for King County employees. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. 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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. King County Executive Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. 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.