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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. Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care workers. After a year-and-a-half of COVID-19 controlling and taking away lives, vaccines are the only way to stop this pandemic, prevent more dangerous strains from developing, restore our freedoms and our safety, and return our society to normalcy. 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. King County Executive Jay Inslee announced on Monday that all Washington state employees as well as heath and long-term care providers are required to be fully vaccinated. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. Private businesses can still require masks if they choose, and local governments can enact, continue or reimplement mandates. 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 . Smaller restaurants and bars with a seating capacity of 12 or fewer do not need to implement the new order until December 6 of this year. In-person customer service counters will continue to remain open. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. The policy required either verification of full vaccination or a recent negative test to enter indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments, indoor restaurants and bars, and outdoor events with 500 people or more. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. Seattle, King County to end vaccine verification policy March 1 But Washington state health . Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". 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. 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. 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. View this document in other languages: Current guidance on who can get a booster dose, when to get it, and which type to get: CDC recommends that anyone ages 5 and older who have moderately or severely weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) get a third dose of vaccine. Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. Washington to lift mask mandate in health care facilities While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. 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. Washington state lawmakers push to rehire government workers fired over 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.. Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. All Rights Reserved. Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. KING COUNTY, Wash. - Gov. For businesses, it is important to: The number of new cases of COVID are leading to far too much suffering. Duchins order is not meant to be permanent and will be reviewed within six months after the implementation date, officials said. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. 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. Washington's mask order in healthcare facilities ends April 3 | king5.com FAX: 206-296-0194. Everyone age 6 months and older is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. It's been a challenging time. At Swedish, we continue to see ongoing outbreaks that put the most vulnerable members of our communities at risk. Washington state is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine mandate to include all public, charter and private school teachers and staff plus those working at the state's colleges and universities . With restrictions about COVID-19 rapidly changing, please check with individual departments to be sure a building is open before you seek in-person service. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. 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. 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. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. King County becomes the third Washington county to put down such a requirement. Seattle, King County dropping COVID-19 vaccine mandate | king5.com People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. 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 . . We also know the COVID-19 vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools for preventing severe illness and hospitalizations, so we support the announcement today that we believe will help encourage everyone who can get vaccinated to get vaccinated. 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. Masks are now credited, by public health officials, with limiting the spread of Covid-19. Vaccination and getting boosters when eligible are the most important tools available to prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. 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. Masks are still required statewide on public transit and in health care and congregate living spaces. 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. TTY: Relay: 711 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. No appointment needed: most pharmacies, clinics, and Public Health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. 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. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. 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. 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 governor made the announcement at a press conference on Monday at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. In an interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan discusses King County's indoor vaccine mandate. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hopes that the new order will make public spaces safer for everyone while slowing the spread of infections. Masks and Face Coverings | Washington State Department of Health Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. 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. In alignment with CDC, the Washington Department of Health recommends workers and passengers two years of age or older wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings, including both conveyances and transportation hubs. 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? TTY: Relay: 711 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. 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. Isolation and quarantine requests . For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. Therefore, it makes sense that vaccination is highly recommended but no longer required for King County and Seattle staff and contractors outside of health care settings, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health Seattle & King County. 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. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. 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. Here's the latest mask and COVID vaccine requirements in WA and King County Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. 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. The changes come as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations fueled by omicron are declining. We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. Vaccine mandate for King County 27 Oct 2021, 5:52 am Save The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. Here's what to know about Washington's new COVID-19 guidelines Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. 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. 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 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. King County Executive Say your preferred language when connected. 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. The last mandate in Washington, an order requiring masks in health care and correctional facilities, is coming to an end. 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. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. 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. For the latest information on masking requirements in the Seattle area, Washington state and U.S., clickhere. 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. 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. King County . 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. We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. 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. For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. State workers file lawsuit over Inslee's vaccine mandate in Washington 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. Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/covid/current, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Wikang Tagalog/Filipino Tagalog/Filipino, For community and faith-based organizations, L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID19 and reporting cases, L&I Workplace Safety and Health Guidance, Guidance and resources for businesses and employers, Guidance for Non-Health Care Businesses and Organizations, Safe Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance for Public Spaces, Business Health Trust Employer Resources, publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov, submitting a written inquiry or report online. 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. The Fil-Am-owned Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, has already implemented its own vaccine mandate since August. Businesses should continue to improve ventilation, support vaccination for employees, and encourage employees to stay home when sick. This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. 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; IHME's projections show that COVID-19 transmissions will extend beyond 2021. said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of IHME. 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. Employers must verify the vaccination status of employees, regardless of work setting. King County will stop requiring restaurants and bars to verify customers' vaccination statuses for indoor dining starting March 1, officials announced Wednesday, as case counts and. However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill. These workers live in every community in our state, working together and with the public every day to deliver services, Inslee said. King County and City of Seattle announce update to employee vaccine mandate Ben Brooks on LinkedIn: Google Releases A/B Testing Partners to Replace At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. No matter what lies ahead, the more vaccinated we are as a community, the safer we will be from this dangerous virus. King. Read the full story on the governor's Medium page. Here are the latest mask and vaccine-verification policies in King County and Washington state. 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. 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. King County health officer Dr. Jeff . But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. 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 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. 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. Multiple King County business owners and major sports teams had already implemented their own vaccination verification policies. In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. TTY: Relay: 711 Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. The order applies inside restaurants and bars. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. Dismissed for vaccine refusal? The state legislature offers help To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. 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? Immune compromised children and adults should also get booster doses when eligible. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. 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. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. The mask order is the latest in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in Washington state. March 1, 2020. Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. other official immunization record from within or outside the United States, including from your health care provider. Additionally, King County and the City of Seattle announced their remote employees would begin returning to offices in March. The Washington State. Rantz: COVID vaccines will be mandated for all WA, King County, and King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized.