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. 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. More than 150 restaurants and bars in King County have already implemented some form of vaccine requirement to enter, The Seattle Times reported. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions ; Transportation ; Safe Communities . Updated: 10:20 PM PDT September 13, 2021. "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. We applaud King County for requiring vaccinations and encourage other counties to do the same. The third shot is part of their initial vaccine series, not a booster. Request an accommodation Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. Updated: 10:18 PM PST March 3, 2022. 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. 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. Filipino-American business owners in the county expressed mixed reactions to the said directive. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. The number of new cases of COVID are leading to far too much suffering. 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. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. COVID-19 information Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Public Health Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said the move will protect customers and workers through providing safer spaces, protecting the health care system, and helping prevent business closures. 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. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. 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. Read the full story on the governor's Medium page. 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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. RELATED: Washington state troopers, other workers sue over vaccine mandate. The countys order includes exceptions for take-out orders, outdoor dining, and grocery stores. 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. "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.". Some, like Max Heigh, a Filipino business owner in the area, think it's necessary to stay safe amid the pandemic. We announced the vaccination verification policy in anticipation of a fall and winter surge in cases. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. 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. 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. Anthony Anton, president and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, said in a statement Thursday that the announcement creates different standards for different types of eating places and no additional standards for most businesses. Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537, Main phone: 206-263-9600 A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. The Washington State. 2023 ABS-CBN Corporation. 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. 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. 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. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and others in the community support the order, according to the news release. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. An analysis by the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) conducted for King County found that the vaccine verification policy at restaurants, bars, and gyms/fitness centers alone could have a significant positive impact, preventing between 17,900 and 75,900 infections, 421 and 1,760 hospitalizations, and 63 and 257 deaths locally over six months with the order in place. This order keeps the arts on the path to recovery, while mitigating the most serious health and safety risks for our patrons and their families, Public Health Media Team, PHPIO@kingcounty.gov, Kristin Elia, Executive Office, 206-477-8209, Main phone: 206-263-9600 Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. 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. 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. "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. For City of Seattle employees, this means that departments will begin to bring more than 5,000 employees who have been remote back to the office based on business needs and work plans. 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. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. The order is. 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. 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. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online. SEATTLE - Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect Monday. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. Children . For Chris Lacayan, another Filipino business owner, he thinks the mandate is too much. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. King Countys masking requirement for large outdoor events ended Feb. 18. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. Additionally, King County and the City of Seattle announced their remote employees would begin returning to offices in March. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. BRIER, Wash. The City of Brier is seeing more people apply for it's police department because it doesn't have a vaccine mandate. Ce bouton affiche le type de recherche actuellement slectionn. This gives employees enough time to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer,. 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. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in King County? For the latest business and worker guidance related to reopening, visit the Washington Ready page or the governor's website. KING COUNTY, Wash. - Starting Monday, a new health order goes into effect across King County. Chinook Building 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. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. 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. It's been a challenging time. 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. The order applies inside restaurants and bars. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. Vaccinations are free and health insurance is not required. 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. 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? Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. So whoever comes in here has to be vaccinated. The directive includes a definition for being "fully vaccinated" as being 14 days after receiving the second dose of a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA or World Health Organization. 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. 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. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. 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. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed, said Executive Constantine. If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. 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.. Seek appropriate reimbursement from the recipients plan or program (example: private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid) for a vaccine administration fee. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. 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. King County Executive No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. Masks will still be required in some settings. 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. 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. 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. 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. King County Executive Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. 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 will stop requiring restaurants and bars to verify customers' vaccination statuses for indoor dining starting March 1, officials announced Wednesday, as case counts and. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe," said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. 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 . There's just no way around it. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. 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. 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. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Request an accommodation If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. 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. Executive Dow. 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. FAX: 206-296-0194. Enter your zip code in Washington's Vaccine Locator tool or check our Getting Vaccinated page to find a vaccination site near you. Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. All Rights Reserved. The vaccine mandate for Washington, King County and Seattle city employees would go into effect in October. At the City of Seattle, more than 99% of employees provided proof of vaccination or received an accommodation, while less than 1% were separated at that time. Seattle, WA 98104 Masks are still required statewide on public transit and in health care and congregate living spaces. craigslist florida miami; raw video download for editing A federal appeals court upholds Biden's vaccine mandate for federal workers. If businesses, schools, and government come together, we can help protect our community and help stop this pandemic sooner rather than later.". "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. Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings..