Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry. KING COUNTY, Wash. After nearly two years, King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. So whoever comes in here has to be vaccinated. 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. King County Executive Local health jurisdictions, some school districts, and individual businesses may still choose to require masks. That work is why we have one of the highest vaccination rates and the lowest cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of any major American city. 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. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe," said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. SEATTLE - Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. 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. The intent of the policy was to give additional COVID-19 protection to employees and patrons in high-risk indoor settings while providing more time for people to get fully vaccinated. RELATED: Washington records over 7,000 deaths from COVID-19. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. 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. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. Seattle, King County announce indoor vaccine requirement to fight COVID Read the full story on the governor's Medium page. In-person customer service counters will continue to remain open. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Jay Inslee in response to the state's vaccine mandate. AboutCareersPrivacyTermsContact UsAdvertise With Us, King County, Seattle, vaccination mandate, TFC News, Lalaine Ignao | TFC News Seattle, Washington. King County becomes the third Washington county to put down such a requirement. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. In an interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan discusses King County's indoor vaccine mandate. Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Here's what to know about Washington's new COVID-19 guidelines Request an accommodation If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov. 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. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. Officials say more than 98% of King County's 15,000 employeesand 4,000 hired sinceprovided proof of vaccination, while less than 2% were . The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. 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. People ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative . 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. 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. 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. "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. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. Dow Constantine. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. In addition: Individuals who are immunocompromised may want to take extra precautions. says. Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments. "But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. King County, Seattle drop COVID-19 vaccine mandate the Washington State Nurses Association, and . To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. 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 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. 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. 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. People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. For Pamela Carpio, the owner of Knee High Stocking and Jeepney, she thinks that it is the right thing to do. 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. Vaccine verification is one more tool to help keep our community safe, slow the spread of the coronavirus and ensure that our nurses and health care workers can be there for you when you need us. 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. 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. other official immunization record from within or outside the United States, including from your health care provider. 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. Seattle, King County to end vaccine verification policy 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. Local restaurants struggle with loss of business due to King Co vaccine 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. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. King County health officer Dr. Jeff . ", "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. 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. Some, like Max Heigh, a Filipino business owner in the area, think it's necessary to stay safe amid the pandemic. But local leaders announced Wednesday that those verification. 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. Many public-facing customer service locations will still temporarily operate remotely, and more details on their reopening will be shared at a later date. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. Washingtons statewide mandate for schools and businesses lifted March 12; Gov. "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.". 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. We should be doing all we can to ensure the health care system is there to serve our residents. Editors note: This post is no longer being updated. 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. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. King County drops COVID vaccine requirement for bars, restaurants The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. Mayor Bruce. No matter what lies ahead, the more vaccinated we are as a community, the safer we will be from this dangerous virus. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. BRIER, Wash. The City of Brier is seeing more people apply for it's police department because it doesn't have a vaccine mandate. This mandate comes as Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise in King's County. COVID-19 vaccine is free and no insurance required. Employers will still be required to tell workers when there is a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case. King County and City of Seattle announce update to employee vaccine mandate The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. WA's COVID state of emergency will lift on Oct. 31, Inslee says 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. 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. 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? Isolation and quarantine requests 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. 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. IHME's projections show that COVID-19 transmissions will extend beyond 2021. said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of IHME. Dismissed for vaccine refusal? The state legislature offers help Although our mandatory vaccine verification requirement is ending, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain elevated and layered COVID-19 prevention remains important. At a news . 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. That means face masks are coming off for all who want to do so in most places starting June 29. There will be no personal exemptions, but employees can apply for religious exemption. 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. 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. It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. 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. The lifting of the vaccination mandate for contractors is part of the, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Rescinding Vaccination Mandate for Contractors, Executives action to rescind the countys COVID-19 Proclamation of Emergency that was issued on March 1, 2020. 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. "It just seemed like the tool at our disposal to keep our community safer," said Lucas Neve. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. It's been a challenging time. The countys order includes exceptions for take-out orders, outdoor dining, and grocery stores. Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. King County reaches deal with 'majority' of unions on vaccine mandate The Seattle Times reports from March 1, businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. The case was filed . There is no longer a statewide mask mandate for most indoor spaces, which include schools, child care facilities, libraries, restaurants and bars, places of worship, gyms, recreation centers, indoor athletic facilities, or retail establishments like grocery stores. 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.