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. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. 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. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. 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. This button displays the currently selected search type. Businesses are free to impose their own vaccine requirements, but there is no countywide requirement. KING COUNTY, Wash. - Gov. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. 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. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. 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. 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. King. 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. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings.. Comments made at a city . There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. As a critical care nurse here in Seattle, I can tell you that our health care system has reached its breaking point. 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. The case was filed . It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. RELATED: The Divide Podcast: Seattle's mayor defends indoor vaccine requirement. 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. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. But local leaders announced Wednesday that those verification. King County becomes the third Washington county to put down such a requirement. 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. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. 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. 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. TTY: Relay: 711 ", We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. 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. Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. 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. Request an accommodation Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. . COVID-19 information No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. 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. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. Public Health, King County, and City of Seattle will be working with partners to provide technical support and educational materials to businesses and organizations implementing the order. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. Businesses will no longer be required to check customers proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, to enter restaurants and bars, indoor recreational events and establishments, or outdoor events. 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. 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. 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. In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. It was three years ago this week that the first case of Covid-19 in the nation was detected and reported in King County. Chinook Building 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. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. 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. 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. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. More people are now vaccinated and protected against severe COVID-19. 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. In an interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan discusses King County's indoor vaccine mandate. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. The latest setting on King County's dial is a vaccine mandate to enter restaurants, bars, and non-essential businesses. King County 's vaccine requirement has been in effect since October 2021. 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 Washington State. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. No matter what lies ahead, the more vaccinated we are as a community, the safer we will be from this dangerous virus. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. King County Executive The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe," said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. Thanks to a tight-knit partnership with King County, we are getting information and tools ready to make compliance simple, and we have built a support network of experts to help businesses of all sizes throughout our region. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. As employers prepare to implement the new vaccine verification program over the next several weeks, the Chamber is ready to be their champion. The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. That means face masks are coming off for all who want to do so in most places starting June 29. Officials say more than 98% of King County's 15,000 employeesand 4,000 hired sinceprovided proof of vaccination, while less than 2% were . For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. 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. Dow Constantine. 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. 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. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. other official immunization record from within or outside the United States, including from your health care provider. 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. "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. Small restaurants, defined as those with seating capacity for fewer than 12 people, will phase into the mandate on December 6. King County Executive CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. 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. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. Executive Dow. says. 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. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. 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. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hopes that the new order will make public spaces safer for everyone while slowing the spread of infections. Mayor Bruce. But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. Our top priority has been to support the King County business community as it navigated changes in regulations, and it can expect that same high level of support and resources from the Chamber to help ensure safety for our community moving forward.. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? 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. 99% of city employees have complied with Seattle's vaccine mandate, Mayor's Office says May Jenny Durkan's office announced that as of roughly 2:30 p.m., 99% of the city's 11,000 employees have. Asked whether the mandate would isolate those who are unvaccinated, Durkan said that would be their choice. Restaurants and bars (including indoor dining) this does not apply to outdoor dining, take-out customers, and places that aren't primarily used as a restaurant, such as grocery stores. Compare vaccine types: Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. People ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative . Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments. The intent was to reduce COVID-19 transmission in high-risk indoor settings and thereby reduce the burden on our hospitals, while providing time for more people to get fully vaccinated, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the status of King Countys mask mandate for large outdoor events. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. The vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve. 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. Jay Inslee announced a face mask mandate across the state. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. That work is why we have one of the highest vaccination rates and the lowest cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of any major American city," said Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. ", "Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. These steps will be important to protect against both current and future COVID-19 surges. 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. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. 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. 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. For Chris Lacayan, another Filipino business owner, he thinks the mandate is too much. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. 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. Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. 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. It's been a challenging time. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions ; Transportation ; Safe Communities . Today, after a record-breaking Omicron surge, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in King County are dropping, and hospitals are better able to care for patient loads. . The 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. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. 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. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. 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. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. 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. So whoever comes in here has to be vaccinated. 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. This gives employees enough time to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer,. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. The changes come as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations fueled by omicron are declining. Washington State Department of Health guidance. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. We should be doing all we can to ensure the health care system is there to serve our residents. The Moderna vaccine is approved for anyone age 6 months to 5 years or age 18 and over. TTY: Relay: 711 There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. 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.
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