King County to require proof of COVID vaccination or negative test for restaurants, events, gyms – KIRO 7 News Seattle

SEATTLE – King County officials announced Thursday that a vaccination record or COVID-19 negative test is required to attend major outdoor public events and all indoor recreational and entertainment businesses and events.

The requirement applies to public outdoor events from 500 people and all indoor venues and companies such as live music, performing arts, fitness studios, restaurants, bars, professional and university sports, conferences and conventions.

Public Health Seattle and King County’s Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, issued Health Ordinance, goes into effect October 25 for outdoor venues and most indoor recreation and entertainment businesses, and December 6 for restaurants with seating capacity of 12 or less.

The mandate does not apply to outdoor restaurants, takeaway customers, or places that are not primarily used as restaurants, such as dining outlets. B. Grocery stores.

The order is not expected to be permanent and will be reviewed no later than six months after the October 25th start date to see if it is still needed.

“Our COVID-19 response must continue to adapt to the difficult, changing reality of this pandemic. The Delta Virus is much more contagious, airborne, causes serious illness, and places a serious burden on our hospitals and healthcare providers, ”said Duchin. “King County’s Vaccine Verification Program will prevent infection, hospital admissions and deaths, protect our health care system, and create safer spaces for the public and workers.”

It is up to companies to screen customers for evidence of vaccination or negative test results.

Many bars and restaurants across the area have already enforced their own vaccination regulations, such as the kangaroo and kiwi in Ballard.

“Everyone has got used to it by now,” says owner Bradley Howe.

“I think it’s great,” says Gabby Vandenavond, who is visiting from Minnesota. “I think more places should do it.”

For tourists who may not be familiar with the new rules, Vandenavond says that in the age of COVID, people should read up on local regulations before traveling.

“I heard it happened a lot on the west coast, so we were prepared for it.”

The types of proof of vaccination permitted under the ordinance are listed below:

• COVID-19 vaccination record from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or a photo of the card).
• Printed certificate or QR code (available end of September) from MyIRMobile.com.
• Other official vaccination cards in or outside the United States, including your doctor. A photo or a copy of the card is allowed.

The regulation defines a full vaccination as two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, two weeks after one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two weeks after completion of another approved vaccine.

Those who are not vaccinated will be required to provide evidence of a negative PCR COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours or a negative rapid test result from a test provider taken on-site at an event or store just prior to entering.

Children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated do not need to be tested to enter an event or store.

County officials said nearly 300,000 people living in King County are eligible but have not yet been vaccinated.

Anyone in need of COVID-19 vaccines can visit KingCounty.gov/vaccine to find a location in their neighborhood.

Call the Washington State Vaccine Helpline at 833- VAX-HELP (833-829-4357) or email waissrecords@doh.wa.gov.

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