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. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. King County officials made the announcement Wednesday. 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. The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? 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. After more than twenty months, I desperately want to get back to as close to normal as possible, but we can't get there without reducing the risk for all through vaccination, masking, testing, physical distancing, and ventilation. Asked whether the mandate would isolate those who are unvaccinated, Durkan said that would be their choice. Last week, several local sports teams and venues, including the Seattle Kraken, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Storm, Seattle Thunderbirds, University of Washington Huskies, and all events at Climate Pledge Arena adopted vaccination verification policies. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. SEATTLE - Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. 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. UW's IHME projects our outbreak to worsen in the next six months with hundreds of thousands of additional cases, thousands of additional hospitalizations, and approximately a thousand additional deaths, with the majority among unvaccinated people. 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. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. Gov. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the status of King Countys mask mandate for large outdoor events. Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. 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. 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. This button displays the currently selected search type. 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. 401 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor 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. dropped its vaccine-verification requirement, These Seattle-area bars and restaurants are still requiring masks and proof of vaccination, What you need to know about mask, vaccine rules at Seattle-area arts and music events, pushed up the timeline for lifting Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements for schools and businesses, Seattle Public Schools to lift mask mandate, but some say its too soon, Some, but not all, students and educators shed their masks in Washington schools after mandate drops, Seattle, King County prepare for return to in-person work, lifting mask requirements, How to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in Washington state, Should you still wear a mask after mandates lift? For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Comments made at a city . 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. 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.. 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. For Chris Lacayan, another Filipino business owner, he thinks the mandate is too much. 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. Employers will still be required to tell workers when there is a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. 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. 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. That means face masks are coming off for all who want to do so in most places starting June 29. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. "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. But not everyone is for the new mandate. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. The order is. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. TTY: Relay: 711 For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. The governor made the announcement at a press conference on Monday at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. 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. 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. King Countys vaccination verification policy went into effect on October 25, 2021. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. 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. 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. "For the people who say I just dont want it well then youre making a choice. The updated booster shots will target Omicron variants that are spreading and also the original strain of the COVID virus. We applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. Vaccine verification requirements loosened statewide and in King County on March 1. 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The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. Some, like Max Heigh, a Filipino business owner in the area, think it's necessary to stay safe amid the pandemic. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. King County Executive "It just seemed like the tool at our disposal to keep our community safer," said Lucas Neve. 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. Compare vaccine types: Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings.. 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. 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. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. More people are now vaccinated and protected against severe COVID-19. For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; however, additional healthcare services can be provided at the same time and billed as appropriate. For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. King County will begin requiring customers of restaurants, bars, gyms and other indoor entertainment spaces to show proof of vaccination from COVID-19, or a negative test taken within 72 hours. King. Washington's indoor mask mandate which was initially implemented in 2020, then nixed in early 2021, only to be reinstated weeks later is set to lift in most places on March 21. 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. 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.. Read the full story on the governor's Medium page. Seattle and King County moved to drop its vaccine mandate on Feb. 6 after nearly two years in effect. Executive Constantine and Mayor Harrell also announced that restrictions on in-office work will be lifted, and remote employees will begin returning to the office in March. "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.". 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. 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. COVID-19 vaccine verification requirements for most businesses in King County have been in effect since October of 2021. Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health - Seattle & King County confirms a man in his 50s died of coronavirus. the Washington State Nurses Association, and . Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. 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. Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537, Main phone: 206-263-9600 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. Masks are still required statewide on public transit and in health care and congregate living spaces. The case was filed . Say your preferred language when connected. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. 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.. Employees who refuse to get vaccinated would face losing their jobs, Gov. 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. 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. Helping state workers who were fired due to Washington State's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. 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. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. 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. Lukas Crippen joined the Port of Seattle Fire Department nine years ago and has gained leadership experience along the way. 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. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Dow Constantine. Isolation and quarantine requests 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. 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. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. Multiple King County business owners and major sports teams had already implemented their own vaccination verification policies. 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. Immune compromised children and adults should also get booster doses when eligible. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then? Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan hopes that the new order will make public spaces safer for everyone while slowing the spread of infections. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. We're a very small establishment, old, old building, not crazy ventilation. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. Request an accommodation Link/share our site at kingcounty.gov/covid/vaccine, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Wikang Tagalog/Filipino Tagalog/Filipino, For community and faith-based organizations, Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. 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. ", We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. 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. 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. 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. ", "Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. The number of new cases of COVID are leading to far too much suffering. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. Dow Constantine. For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. Public and constituent inquiries | 360.902.4111 BRIER, Wash. The City of Brier is seeing more people apply for it's police department because it doesn't have a vaccine mandate. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. "Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". 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. Members will have a partner in this every step of the way. The mandate requires most state employees, health care workers and school employees to get. Jay Inslee made the announcement on Feb. 28. The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. 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. Private businesses can still require masks if they choose, and local governments can enact, continue or reimplement mandates. RELATED: Washington state troopers, other workers sue over vaccine mandate. Isolation and quarantine requests King County becomes the third Washington county to put down such a requirement. This gives employees enough time to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer,. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. If businesses, schools, and government come together, we can help protect our community and help stop this pandemic sooner rather than later.". 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? 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. 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. Learn more about eligibility and getting vaccinated in 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. Less than 2% of employees were . 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, publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov, submitting a written inquiry or report online. The Washington State. 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. Employers must verify the vaccination status of employees, regardless of work setting. Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine is approved for anyone age 18 and over, however in most instances the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines are preferred. 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. But to me, I think starting the vaccine cards, I think that's a little bit above, over, over the fence there. 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. A negative Covid test from within 72 hours will also be acceptable. Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. We are moving in the right direction, and can continue taking additional steps toward recovery. 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. Beginning March 1, 2022, the vaccine verification requirement will no longer be in effect in King County. 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. 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. WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Some King County business owners say within the short time frame of the county's proof of vaccine mandate, the impact has been severe. Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination. Visit Getting vaccinated in King County for vaccine locations and appointments. Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. As Washington and King County drop masking and vaccination requirements this month, what arts groups are doing is varied, with many performing arts groups extending such requirements through May. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated.

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