With high vaccination rates and effective, updated boosters available, we are in a different place in the pandemic, and our policies and regulations will change to reflect the best information we have available today, as they have throughout the last three years., The vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve, said Mayor Harrell. Executive Dow. He says the businesses started requiring vaccine proof in August. 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. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. 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. Immunization guidelines and resources for King County. 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. For Chris Lacayan, another Filipino business owner, he thinks the mandate is too much. King County becomes the third Washington county to put down such a requirement. That's the plan of 14th District State Rep. Chris Corry of Yakima. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. Seattle will continue to follow public health guidance and adopt strategies that best keep our communities safe. 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. To date, more than three million vaccine doses have been administered in King County. Here are the latest mask and vaccine-verification policies in King County and Washington state. 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. Currently, 68% of the total King County population and 79% of eligible King County residents (those 12 years of age and up) have completed their vaccination series against COVID-19, including more than 70% of every eligible age group and all racial groups tracked by Public Health. Masks are now credited, by public health officials, with limiting the spread of Covid-19. It's the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city. "But Seattle is not immune to the surge in cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant. 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. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated. Vaccination verification - King County - King County, Washington TTY: Relay: 711 Learn more about vaccination for youth at kingcounty.gov/vaccine/youth. The statewide and King County mask requirements for outdoor gatherings of over 500 people ended Feb. 18. 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. 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. 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. 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. From the beginning of this pandemic, our aim has been to protect the health of our community and save lives. 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. Following the record-breaking Omicron surge, were have seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and hospital capacity is improving. Jefferson and Clallam counties instituted indoor vaccine mandates for restaurants and bars starting September 4. Anyone needing COVID-19 vaccine can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a vaccine in their neighborhood. printed certificate or QR code (available in late September) from. Washington state, Seattle and King County announce COVID vaccination With high vaccination rates and effective, updated boosters available, we are in a different place in the pandemic, and our policies and regulations will change to reflect the best information we have available today, as they have throughout the last three years. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. Dismissed for vaccine refusal? The state legislature offers help State workers file lawsuit over Inslee's vaccine mandate in Washington Associate Professor of Medicine and Allergy and Infectious Diseases at University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Paul Thottingal, National Infectious Disease Lead for Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Vaccination is our best shield against this deadly virus. Private businesses can still require masks if they choose, and local governments can enact, continue or reimplement mandates. The entire order is not expected to be permanent. For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid. 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. A negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours will also be accepted. The Moderna vaccine is approved for anyone age 6 months to 5 years or age 18 and over. 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. While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. 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. There are nearly 300,000 King County residents who are eligible but have not yet started their vaccination series. Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. Vaccination and getting boosters when eligible are the most important tools available to prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments. 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. Washington State sets vaccine mandate for government and health care workers. 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. Since this policy was adopted, over one-quarter of a million King County residents have gotten vaccinated. Inslee pushed up the timeline for lifting Washingtons COVID-19 mask requirements for schools and businesses to March 12 after federal officials loosened public health guidelines on face coverings. 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. Amanda Zhou covers afternoon breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times. The steady decline in positive cases is much needed positive news. 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. 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. Youre making a choice that by doing that you cant participate in things that are really important to society.". King County to require proof of vaccination or negative test for many "Our data has shown vaccines, masking, and social distancing can reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases. 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. Timeline: A look back at Washington state's COVID-19 response CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose: There is no booster recommendation for children aged 6 months to 4 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series. 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. The performing arts industry has been devastated by this pandemic. Businesses and organizations may still choose to implement their own vaccine verification policies. 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.