He says the businesses started requiring vaccine proof in August. TTY: Relay: 711 But local leaders announced Wednesday that those verification. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Jay Inslee announced a face mask mandate across the state. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. King County reports losing about 2% of its workforce and the city of Seattle lost about 1% of workers who refused the vaccine. Dow Constantine. King County Executive At Swedish, we continue to see ongoing outbreaks that put the most vulnerable members of our communities at risk. Masks are now credited, by public health officials, with limiting the spread of Covid-19. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. 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. Asked whether the mandate would isolate those who are unvaccinated, Durkan said that would be their choice. The mandate will also apply to outdoor events with more than 500 people in attendance. 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. The policy was supported by healthcare organizations, business groups, and arts and culture organizations. Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination verification is just one part of a multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy. The countys order includes exceptions for take-out orders, outdoor dining, and grocery stores. Hospitals are really stretched right now across Washington State. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. 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. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. Customers can use their vaccine cards or a photo of a vaccine card, documentation from a medical record or vaccine provider, or a printed certificate from MyIRMobile.com to enter establishments already requiring vaccine proof. Jay Inslee said. 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. 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Say your preferred language when connected. Vaccine verification was a win-win: our businesses got to keep their staff on payroll and keep their doors open, while prioritizing safety. 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. 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. Almost a year after lifting its indoor mask mandate, Washington state will drop mask mandates in health care, long-term care and correctional facilities on April 3, state health officials announced Friday, March 3. . Seattle and King County Thursday announced an indoor vaccine requirement for restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues. King County Executive King Countys local indoor mask order ended concurrently with the states, Public Health Seattle & King County announced last month. COVID-19 information 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. According to the media release, more than 98% of King County's nearly 15,000 employees provided proof of vaccination and nearly 4,000 employees were hired since. This is the first coronavirus death reported in the U.S. 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. The order is. 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 . 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. 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. 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? Filipino-American business owners in the county expressed mixed reactions to the said directive. . Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings., Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537, Jamie Housen, Mayor's Office, 206-798-5002, Main phone: 206-263-9600 FAX: 206-296-0194, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health Seattle & King County, Dr. Faisal Khan, Director, Public Health Seattle & King County, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, rescinded the countys COVID emergency proclamation today, King County, State of Washington, and City of Seattle announce vaccination requirement for most employees, private health care and long-term care workers | August 2021. These steps will be important to protect against both current and future COVID-19 surges. I am not covering everything about this mandate, but it is easy to look up if you have questions. 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. 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 However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill. CDC recommends the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over J&J for both initial and booster vaccinations. Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings.. This gives employees enough time to schedule an appointment for the Pfizer,. Businesses and workplaces have an important role to play in helping slow the of COVID-19. 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. 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. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. 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. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect Monday. 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. KING COUNTY, Wash. - Gov. Only children under 12 are exempted from the mandate. For more information on King County's COVID-19 vaccine verification policy, visit KingCounty.gov/verify. For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose. 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. 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.