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? 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. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. Here are the latest mask and vaccine-verification policies in King County and Washington state. With City employees who had previously been working from home beginning to return to office in mid-March, I look forward to keeping up this collaborative spirit as we drive forward an equitable, community-focused recovery. Enter your zip code in Washington's Vaccine Locator tool or check our Getting Vaccinated page to find a vaccination site near you. But local leaders announced Wednesday that those verification. The Fil-Am-owned Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, has already implemented its own vaccine mandate since August. Say your preferred language when connected. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. Hospitals are really stretched right now across Washington State. Washington State Department of Health guidance. 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. 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. This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. 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. 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. FAX: 206-296-0194. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. All Rights Reserved. Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. 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: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network. Press inquiries | 360.902.4136, Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions, Governor's Distinguished Managers Association, Governors Task Force on Independent Investigations of Police Use of Force, Request a Ceremonial Proclamation, Greeting or Letter. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect Monday. Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. 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. The order is. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. FAX: 206-296-0194, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County, Dr. Faisal Khan, Director, Public Health Seattle & King County, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today, King County, State of Washington, and City of Seattle announce vaccination requirement for most employees, private health care and long-term care workers | August 2021. "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 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. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. No appointment needed: most pharmacies, clinics, and Public Health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine verification requirements loosened statewide and in King County on March 1. 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. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. The mandate says those who must now get vaccinated have until Oct. 18 to complete their vaccinations. "But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. RELATED: Washington state troopers, other workers sue over vaccine mandate. Seattle Times staff reporters Elise Takahama and Joseph OSullivan contributed to this report. Request an accommodation STG is proud to support this policy to keep the arts safe for our community. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. It was three years ago this week that the first case of Covid-19 in the nation was detected and reported in King County. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. "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.". High levels of preventable COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and increased deaths driven by the highly contagious delta variant prompted the order. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. 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. 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.. The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. He was recently promoted from 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. ", "Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. Seek appropriate reimbursement from the recipients plan or program (example: private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid) for a vaccine administration fee. 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. Local governments still have the authority to continue or reimplement mask mandates, and private businesses can still require employees and customers to wear masks, according to Inslees office. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery, said King County Executive Dow Constantine. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Before supporting a recommendation to lift the employee vaccine mandate, Public Health officials wanted to understand the impacts of a potential winter surge in 2022 2023. It doesnt affect outdoor dining, take-out orders and shopping in places including grocery stores. Masks are also still required on school buses a federal requirement, according to Inslees office. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. 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. People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. 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. Vaccinations are free and health insurance is not required. Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care workers. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe," said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. 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. TTY: Relay: 711 Preventing further COVID infections is a powerful way to protect the health care system. 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. 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. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. We're a very small establishment, old, old building, not crazy ventilation. If you have a complaint and wish to file a grievance, or have a question about possible discrimination, please contact the King County Civil Rights Program at civil-rights.OCR@kingcounty.gov; 206-263-2446; TTY Relay 7-1-1; or 401 5th Ave, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104. These steps will be important to protect against both current and future COVID-19 surges. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. 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 countys order includes exceptions for take-out orders, outdoor dining, and grocery stores. 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. 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. He says the businesses started requiring vaccine proof in August. 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. 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.. other official immunization record from within or outside the United States, including from your health care provider. The policy was announced in September 2021 as a temporary measure during the Delta variant surge and to prepare for a potential fall and winter surge. King County data shows that since the omicron surge began, residents who are unvaccinated are 27 times more likely to be hospitalized. This button displays the currently selected search type. We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. 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. For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. 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. 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. says. "It just seemed like the tool at our disposal to keep our community safer," said Lucas Neve. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Compare vaccine types: Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. 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.

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