King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. 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. In addition: Individuals who are immunocompromised may want to take extra precautions. 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. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. The vaccine verification policy in King County will no longer be in effect as of March 1. 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. Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. March 1, 2020. It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. 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. Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments. 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. 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. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. King County will end COVID vaccine requirements at restaurants, bars King County Executive Jay Inslee said. Public health highly recommends following the current vaccination guidance which includes a bivalent booster dose for the best protection. The last mandate in Washington, an order requiring masks in health care and correctional facilities, is coming to an end. Starting February 6, the King County Executive terminated Executive Order ACO-8-28-EO pertaining to the vaccination mandate for contractors. 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. Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. Seattle and King County will drop vaccine requirements for restaurants 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. There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. This applies to executive cabinet agencies, but the governor encouraged all others such as higher education, local governments, the legislative branch, other statewide elected officials and organizations in the private sector to do the same. COVID-19 vaccine is free and no insurance required. 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. 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. Masks will still be required in some settings. Vaccination verification - King County - King County, Washington Say your preferred language when connected. TTY: Relay: 711 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. No matter what lies ahead, the more vaccinated we are as a community, the safer we will be from this dangerous virus. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. But the overall mandate is temporary and will be re-evaluated for a possible extension in April 2022. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. Isolation and quarantine requests Washington's mask order in healthcare facilities ends April 3 | king5.com 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.. 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.. AboutCareersPrivacyTermsContact UsAdvertise With Us, King County, Seattle, vaccination mandate, TFC News, Lalaine Ignao | TFC News Seattle, Washington. 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. For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. 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. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. Dow Constantine. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. 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. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. "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. 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. At Swedish, we continue to see ongoing outbreaks that put the most vulnerable members of our communities at risk. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. Children . 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. King Countys local indoor mask order ended concurrently with the states, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. King County health officer Dr. Jeff . Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. Safeway's AdWith the Fred Meyer weekly flyer, you can find sales for a 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. We applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. Browse all Safeway locations in the United States for pharmacies and weekly deals on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, beer, wine and liquor. 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, [email protected], submitting a written inquiry or report online. Filipino-American business owners in the county expressed mixed reactions to the said directive. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. This button displays the currently selected search type. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated. 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. In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today. Jay Inslee today announced a requirement for most state workers, and on-site contractors and volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. 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. 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. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. King. Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. Port of Seattle on LinkedIn: Lukas Crippen For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. Request an accommodation If you have a disability and need accommodation, email [email protected]. These steps will be important to protect against both current and future COVID-19 surges. Compare vaccine types: Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. 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. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or photo of card. 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. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. Seattle and King County moved to drop its vaccine mandate on Feb. 6 after nearly two years in effect. We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. 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. 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. 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. King County drops COVID vaccine requirement for bars, restaurants We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. Chan's Place in Woodinville. 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. Public and constituent inquiries | 360.902.4111 There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. 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. See L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID19 and reporting cases. Neve is the Chef at Cafe Lago. People ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative . Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537, Main phone: 206-263-9600 Many public-facing customer service locations will still temporarily operate remotely, and more details on their reopening will be shared at a later date. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. 150 businesses in King County receive complaints over not complying In-person customer service counters will continue to remain open. SEATTLE Washington Gov. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. High levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the highly contagious delta variant prompted the order. 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Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. 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. King Countys vaccination verification policy went into effect on October 25, 2021. 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. 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. 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. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. King County to end mask mandate as Washington nears 70% vaccination The changes come as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations fueled by omicron are declining. IHME's projections show that COVID-19 transmissions will extend beyond 2021. said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of IHME. 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. More than 150 restaurants and bars in King County have already implemented some form of vaccine requirement to enter, The Seattle Times reported. COVID-19 vaccine - King County - King County, Washington At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Masks are still required statewide on public transit and in health care and congregate living spaces. The order is. RELATED: State workers seek exemptions to Washington COVID-19 vaccine mandate. 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. For businesses, it is important to: 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. 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 . Inslee announces vaccination requirement for most state - Washington Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month, Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements to lift on March 12, Mask mandate in WA health care, correctional facilities to end, Fauci should be jailed over COVID lies and mandates, Cruz tells CPAC, Final state emergencies winding down 3 years into pandemic, Troops who refused COVID vaccine still may face discipline, A condition called POTS rose after COVID, and patients cant find care, Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic, Lab leak likely caused COVID pandemic, Energy Dept. But not everyone is for the new mandate. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. 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. RELATED: The Divide Podcast: Seattle's mayor defends indoor vaccine requirement. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the status of King Countys mask mandate for large outdoor events. King Co proof of vaccine mandate starts Monday; Restaurants try - KOMO 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. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. 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. The Fil-Am-owned Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, has already implemented its own vaccine mandate since August. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. Chinook Building The statewide and King County mask requirements for outdoor gatherings of over 500 people ended Feb. 18. 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. Vaccination and getting boosters when eligible are the most important tools available to prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. 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. 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. .