Timeline: A look back at Washington state's COVID-19 response The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. RELATED: The Divide Podcast: Seattle's mayor defends indoor vaccine requirement. King County to require proof of vaccination or negative test for many While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. The Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as the original COVID-19, which makes increasing vaccination rates even more important to slowing disease spread and protecting people from hospitalization and death. Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network. 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. King County's Vaccine Verification Rules Start Monday Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. 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. 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. Local health jurisdictions, some school districts, and individual businesses may still choose to require masks. King County Executive Businesses are free to impose their own vaccine requirements, but there is no countywide requirement. As employers prepare to implement the new vaccine verification program over the next several weeks, the Chamber is ready to be their champion. People 12 years old and up must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test taken. 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. BRIER, Wash. The City of Brier is seeing more people apply for it's police department because it doesn't have a 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. 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. 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. That means face masks are coming off for all who want to do so in most places starting June 29. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. Without these clear guidelines, we would put the livelihoods of artists and arts-workers at continued risk. To learn more about this policy change, read our blog post. SEATTLE King County will no longer require businesses to check patrons' COVID-19 vaccination status beginning March 1 as case rates and hospitalizations continue to drop. But to me, I think starting the vaccine cards, I think that's a little bit above, over, over the fence there. However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. 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. Compare vaccine types: Snapshot of the COVID-19 Vaccines (WA Dept. King County health officer Dr. Jeff . Port of Seattle on LinkedIn: Lukas Crippen There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions ; Transportation ; Safe Communities . CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. Seattle, King County announce indoor vaccine requirement to fight COVID King County, the City of Seattle, and Public Health developed the vaccine verification policy in consultation with Public Health's Pandemic and Racism Community Advisory Group, cities, small businesses, chambers of commerce, labor unions, trade associations, sports teams, entertainment venues, community groups, and faith-based leaders throughout the county to create a policy that aims to be workable, fair, and equitable for businesses and residents. 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. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required. 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. King County has received complaints about 150 businesses as of last week that members of the public feel haven't been complying with a new countywide policy requiring patrons to show proof of. The City will continue to evaluate in-person, remote, and hybrid arrangements to ensure the needs of Seattle residents are met. 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. Ben Brooks sur LinkedIn : Google Releases A/B Testing Partners to This button displays the currently selected search type. Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537, Main phone: 206-263-9600 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, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County. Vaccinations are free and health insurance is not required. The vaccine mandate for Washington, King County and Seattle city employees would go into effect in October. 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. "After extensive engagement with community partners, small businesses, venues, and hospitals, Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy.". TTY: Relay: 711 A negative Covid test from within 72 hours will also be acceptable. 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. 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. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. Washington will lift the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for health care and education workers, but employers can choose to mandate vaccines if they wish. 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. 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. Too many people, adults and children, are ending up in hospitals across the state and here in our county, threatening to overwhelm the system. He was recently promoted from 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. 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 But Washington state health . For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. That includes medical facilities like hospitals, pharmacies, outpatient and dental facilities, long-term care settings, correctional facilities, taxis and ride-hail vehicles. So whoever comes in here has to be vaccinated. After a year-and-a-half of COVID-19 controlling and taking away lives, vaccines are the only way to stop this pandemic, prevent more dangerous strains from developing, restore our freedoms and our safety, and return our society to normalcy. The vaccine mandate first went into effect mid-2021. The mandate requires most state employees, health care workers and school employees to get. Vaccine verification for large events is no longer required statewide. We need help from the community, and we need more people to get vaccinated. No appointment needed: most pharmacies, clinics, and Public Health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. RELATED: Washington state troopers, other workers sue over vaccine mandate. Stay connected withQ13News on all platforms: DOWNLOAD:Q13 News and Weather AppsWATCH:Q13 News LiveSUBSCRIBE:Q13 FOX on YouTubeDAILY BRIEF: Sign Up For Our NewsletterFOLLOW:Facebook|Twitter|Instagram. 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. Hospital intensive care units are filled with unvaccinated patients who are extremely sick with COVID-19, causing significant strain on health care workers trying to provide the best possible care to all of our patients. 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. Washington to lift mask mandate in health care facilities 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. King County customers of restaurants, theaters, gyms must show proof of SEATTLE Washington Gov. League of governors, PNP to meet following Degamo slay, VP Duterte: Transport strike pointless, a disruption to learning, Abed, Shopify Rebellion end Lima Major run at Top 4, 'Free agent' Sharon pens heartfelt message for ABS-CBN, Suspect in Degamo slay killed in shootout with police, Pinaniniwalaang sinkhole, nadiskubre sa Calayan, Cagayan, 'Everything Everywhere' sweeps Spirit Awards ahead of Oscars, Prince Harry says always felt 'different' from other UK royals, Vietnam wins Miss Eco International; PH bet in Top 21, Marianne Williamson announces White House challenge to Biden, Korean actor Lee Je-hoon open to working on PH project, Gina Iniong blazes new trail for women in combat sports, Tatay nag-alok ng libreng sakay sa pagpasa ng anak sa engineering exam, Pinoy authors at artists bumida sa Emirates Literary Festival 2023, 2 more 'hazing victims' in Salilig case urged to come forward, Degamo received death threats, police say, PH food products ibinida sa business matching mission sa Bahrain. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. Everyone age 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Jay Inslee announced a face mask mandate across the state. "For the people who say I just dont want it well then youre making a choice. It comes as the state and the nation pass another major pandemic milestone. To enter a restaurant you must now show proof of vaccination. If businesses, schools, and government come together, we can help protect our community and help stop this pandemic sooner rather than later.". COVID-19 vaccine - King County - King County, Washington Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care workers. 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. That work is why we have one of the highest vaccination rates and the lowest cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of any major American city. 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., "The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination. Washington announces COVID vaccine mandate for state workers, health Indoor entertainment and recreational events or establishments such as professional and collegiate sports, entertainment, performing arts, museums, theatre, live music, gyms, and conferences/conventions. King County . King County Executive Dismissed for vaccine refusal? The state legislature offers help It will be reviewed no later than six months after the October 25th implementation date to assess its continued need based on future outbreak conditions. KUOW - Final statewide masking mandate to end in WA And King County members of the Washington Nightlife Music Association, a coalition of independently owned music venues, last month called on government officials to implement a vaccination-check mandate and the development of a statewide vaccine verification system. 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. Modeling produced by the University of Washingtons Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) predicted the vaccine verification could have a significant positive impact in reducing infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. 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. 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. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. 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. Below are resources and current guidance to help keep your workers and customers safe. "The way that this works the best is if people make the right choices," Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an interview with Q13 News. For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. "We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe," Durkan said. The vaccine verification policy in King County will no longer be in effect as of March 1. 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. 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. There is no cost to you for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. 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. 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. For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Seattle, King County to end vaccine verification policy March 1 It doesnt affect outdoor dining, take-out orders and shopping in places including grocery stores. 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. At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions | Governor Jay - Washington The Moderna vaccine is approved for anyone age 6 months to 5 years or age 18 and over. 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.. Jay Inslee made the announcement on Feb. 28. 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.