King County and the City of Seattle are no longer requiring proof of the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell made the announcement Monday following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.
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“While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. 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,” Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County said.
Public Health issued the recommendation to lift the employee vaccine mandate after looking at the impacts of a potential winter surge in 2022-2023. However, they said because of the county's high level of vaccination boosters, lower levels of community spread, and a "safe level" of COVID-19 hospitalizations they felt confident in lifting the recommendations.
"At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk," said Duchin.
More than 98% of King County's nearly 15,000 employees have provided proof of vaccination and nearly 4,000 employees have been hired since the mandate went into effect. Less than 2% of employees left their positions because of the mandate. In Seattle, more than 99% of city employees provided proof of vaccination or received accommodation with less than 1% leaving their positions.
“Since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, King County’s policy has been to follow the science, listen to the experts, and protect life and health. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing," said Constantine.
In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Constantine also announced the end of the county's COVID emergency proclamation Monday and he reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions. The county said booking restrictions at King County correctional facilities will remain in effect because of staffing shortages.
Public health data shows that almost 90% of King County residents 18-64 years old have completed their primary vaccination series although most have not received an updated bivalent booster.