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. King County Executive 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. More people are now vaccinated and protected against severe COVID-19. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. But not everyone is for the new mandate. Request an accommodation If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. SEATTLE Washington Gov. Asked whether the mandate would isolate those who are unvaccinated, Durkan said that would be their choice. At a news . "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. 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. The updated booster shots will target Omicron variants that are spreading and also the original strain of the COVID virus. 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. RELATED: State workers seek exemptions to Washington COVID-19 vaccine mandate. For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. State workers file lawsuit over Inslee's vaccine mandate in Washington King County, WA to end vaccine requirements at bars, restaurants - KOIN.com Officials say they have reached an agreement with a "majority" of unions on a soon-to-be-implemented vaccine mandate for King County employees. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. King County and City of Seattle announce updates to employee vaccine Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. It doesnt affect outdoor dining, take-out orders and shopping in places including grocery stores. 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. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. 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. Dow Constantine. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick., 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, said Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce. Here are the latest mask and vaccine-verification policies in King County and Washington state. 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. says. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. 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. Jay Inslee said. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. Washington state lawmakers push to rehire government workers fired over 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. 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. There's just no way around it. 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. Some, like Max Heigh, a Filipino business owner in the area, think it's necessary to stay safe amid the pandemic. 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. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. A lot of people just want to go out, go on with their lives. RELATED: The Divide Podcast: Seattle's mayor defends indoor vaccine requirement. 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. Seattle, King County announce indoor vaccine requirement to fight COVID 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. If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe," said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. 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. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. The new vaccine mandate went into effect yesterday, October 25. 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. Many public-facing customer service locations will still temporarily operate remotely, and more details on their reopening will be shared at a later date. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for anyone 6 months and older. King County 's vaccine requirement has been in effect since October 2021. It will apply to: The order gives the option for a longer preparation period for smaller restaurants and bars with a seating capacity of 12 or less, with an implementation date of December 6. Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537, Main phone: 206-263-9600 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. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. High levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the highly contagious delta variant prompted the order. 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.. 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. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. King County customers of restaurants, theaters, gyms must show proof of This gives employees enough time to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer,. 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. . We're a very small establishment, old, old building, not crazy ventilation. A look at who's exempt from Washington's COVID-19 vaccine mandate Chinook Building A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. 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. Live blog: Workers face termination as vaccine deadline lands The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. Executive Dow. King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. 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. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions | Governor Jay - Washington What you need to know about mask, vaccine rules at Seattle-area arts KUOW - Final statewide masking mandate to end in WA 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. 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.. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. King County Public Health officials said on Tuesday that 70% of residents ages 16 and up had received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson inoculation. "For the people who say I just dont want it well then youre making a choice. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. Helping state workers who were fired due to Washington State's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Employers will still be required to tell workers when there is a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. For children aged 6 months4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose. 401 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. COVID-19 information Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? RELATED: Washington state troopers, other workers sue over vaccine mandate. 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. ", "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. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". Masks are also still required on school buses a federal requirement, according to Inslees office. For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network. The Fil-Am-owned Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, has already implemented its own vaccine mandate since August. 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. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. At Swedish, we continue to see ongoing outbreaks that put the most vulnerable members of our communities at risk. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. 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. 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 . No matter what lies ahead, the more vaccinated we are as a community, the safer we will be from this dangerous virus. Vaccinations are free and health insurance is not required. In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. 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. But Washington state health . FAX: 206-296-0194. 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. 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. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. Duchins order is not meant to be permanent and will be reviewed within six months after the implementation date, officials said. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. Seattle, King County dropping COVID-19 vaccine mandate | king5.com 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. Timeline: A look back at Washington state's COVID-19 response King County's Vaccine Verification Rules Start Monday COVID-19 vaccine verification requirements for most businesses in King County have been in effect since October of 2021. The vaccine verification policy in King County will no longer be in effect as of March 1. 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. Washington State sets vaccine mandate for - The New York Times KUOW - Final statewide masking mandate to end in WA The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. Ben Brooks on LinkedIn: Google Releases A/B Testing Partners to Replace of Health, PDF), COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses Reference Guide for All Ages, Infographic about boosters if you are immuno-compromised, King County's Strategy for Vaccine Delivery, Principles for Equitable Vaccine Delivery, Data dashboard: Summary of COVID vaccination among King County residents. TTY: Relay: 711 Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry. "Anything less than that amounts to using our industry which has been the hardest hit by far as a carrot-and-stick for the small percentage of people in King County who have been unwilling to be vaccinated.". But local leaders announced Wednesday that those verification. The Moderna vaccine is approved for anyone age 6 months to 5 years or age 18 and over. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. A Health Order issued today by Public Health Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, going into effect on October 25, will protect customers and workers through providing safer spaces, protecting our health care system, and helping prevent business closures. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. 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. Seek appropriate reimbursement from the recipients plan or program (example: private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid) for a vaccine administration fee. King Countys local indoor mask order ended concurrently with the states, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. 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. Dow Constantine. Vaccination mandate in King County, Seattle starts October 25 . Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. Vaccine mandate for King County - Washington Forum 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. 2023 ABS-CBN Corporation. 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. But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. 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. 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. Having been on the front lines since the beginning, and now responding to this latest surge, we know this is not sustainable for our communities or our caregivers. 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. Following updated public health guidelines, King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect Monday. We support the engagement of the public and private sector to play more of a role in helping close the vaccination gap in our communities. Some local businesses throughout Seattle have been requiring proof of vaccination from customers for weeks. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Everyone age 6 months and older is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. 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 . 2023 FOX Television Stations, from SAT 6:00 PM PST until SUN 12:00 PM PST, Wenatchee Area, Bryan Kohberger's Pennsylvania warrants: Experts break down key evidence, Morris leads the Seattle Sounders against Real Salt Lake, 'I've been really scared:' Survivor of home invasion sexual assault fighting to keep suspects in jail, Remains found tangled in a fishing line south of Marysville in 1979 identified through DNA, VIDEO: Kent police search for man who stole car with 2 children inside; children later found unharmed, Bryan Kohberger lawyer blasts 'grotesquely twisted' media coverage of stabbing that killed 4 Idaho students, Philadelphia Eagles WR Zach Pascal robbed at gunpoint in Maryland, Thurston County man dead after being hit by car in his own driveway, suspect arrested, VIDEO: Distinct red van may have been used in multiple break-ins in Seattle, Edmonds, Investigators: Former Puyallup police officer accused of rape may be linked to other assault, Skin cancer removed from President Biden's chest, Roof collapses during vacant building fire in Lake City, Seattle Police search for suspect who shot someone in the leg in Belltown, Seattle Police search for hit-and-run driver, SPD: 3 kids arrested for threats, stealing a car, having guns. King Co proof of vaccine mandate starts Monday; Restaurants try - KOMO Vaccine mandate for King County - Washington Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. Businesses should continue to improve ventilation, support vaccination for employees, and encourage employees to stay home when sick.
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