The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. King County reaches deal with 'majority' of unions on vaccine mandate 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. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Masks will still be required in some settings. Businesses should continue to support employees in getting vaccinated and staying home when sick. 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. Throughout the pandemic, King County and the City of Seattle have used the most up-to-date recommendations and expertise from Public Health officials to inform policy decisions to adapt to the conditions and threats from the virus. 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. The vaccine mandate for Washington, King County and Seattle city employees would go into effect in October. 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. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? 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. Browse all Safeway locations in the United States for pharmacies and weekly deals on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, beer, wine and liquor. King Countys masking requirement for large outdoor events ended Feb. 18. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. . King Countys vaccination verification policy went into effect on October 25, 2021. COVID-19 vaccine - King County - King County, Washington Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. Seattle and King County moved to drop its vaccine mandate on Feb. 6 after nearly two years in effect. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. WA's COVID state of emergency will lift on Oct. 31, Inslee says 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. But to me, I think starting the vaccine cards, I think that's a little bit above, over, over the fence there. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Children . 150 businesses in King County receive complaints over not complying printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. Mayor Bruce. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". 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 on Monday that all Washington state employees as well as heath and long-term care providers are required to be fully vaccinated. Timeline: A look back at Washington state's COVID-19 response 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. KUOW - Final statewide masking mandate to end in WA A lot of people just want to go out, go on with their lives. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. 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; AboutCareersPrivacyTermsContact UsAdvertise With Us, King County, Seattle, vaccination mandate, TFC News, Lalaine Ignao | TFC News Seattle, Washington. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. 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. craigslist florida miami; raw video download for editing A federal appeals court upholds Biden's vaccine mandate for federal workers. In addition, the large number of people who were infected during the Omicron surge will also likely result in some additional community immunity, at least for the short term. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. 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., Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. Vaccination mandate in King County, Seattle starts October 25 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. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. . A city official said lifting the mandate is expected to have. Dismissed for vaccine refusal? The state legislature offers help Filipino-American business owners in the county expressed mixed reactions to the said directive. 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. 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 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. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. 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. 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. 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. Employers will still be required to tell workers when there is a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. 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. The job outlook after Seattle, King County lift COVID-19 vaccine Current COVID-19 guidance - King County, Washington The vaccine mandate first went into effect mid-2021. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. 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. Safeway's AdWith the Fred Meyer weekly flyer, you can find sales for a Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination. In an interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan discusses King County's indoor vaccine mandate. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. There's just no way around it. 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. Learn more about eligibility and getting vaccinated in King County. He says the businesses started requiring vaccine proof in August. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. 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. Request an accommodation For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. Jay Inslee in response to the state's vaccine mandate. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. Masks are also still required on school buses a federal requirement, according to Inslees office. 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. 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. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. 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. 2023 ABS-CBN Corporation. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. SEATTLE Dozens of Washington state workers have filed a lawsuit against Gov. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. Chan's Place in Woodinville. . Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Isolation and quarantine requests People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. 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. Todays orders will not impact booking restrictions at King County correctional facilities originally adopted at the beginning of the pandemic, and that remain in effect due to staffing shortages at the correctional facilities. Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. King County Executive Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. 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. FAX: 206-296-0194. Vaccination verification - King County - King County, Washington There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions ; Transportation ; Safe Communities . 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. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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 mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance.