What to Know About Showing Vaccination Proof at Seattle Bars and Restaurants

With the Delta variant sparking a spike in COVID-19 cases, many bars and restaurants in the Seattle area are now requiring either proof of vaccination with an appropriate valid ID or confirmation of a recent negative COVID test. As of August 4th, more than 100 local establishments have implemented these new guidelines, and more restaurants are being added every day.

It remains to be seen whether Seattle will follow New York City’s lead in introducing a comprehensive mandate for vaccine detection in all indoor dining restaurants. So far, local authorities don’t seem to be leaning in that direction: when asked about the possible policy, Anthony Derrick, a spokeswoman for Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, said Durkan “supports all employers in Seattle who need vaccines , and all companies ”. calling for customers and employees to be vaccinated, except where required by law, “and stated that current efforts are more focused on” consistent guidelines for local, regional and state workers “rather than the hospitality industry.

Whether or not there is a citywide mandate after all, fully vaccinated guests in Seattle need to think about what to bring with them when they go out and how the process works. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

A clear photo of a vaccination card is fine, maybe even preferable

It’s unclear why vaccination cards are so thin and won’t fit in most wallets – but it is. Fortunately, most Seattle bars will accept a photo of the card and sometimes even an email confirming vaccination, provided either of them is accompanied by valid ID. In fact, having a photo of the card on hand may be better than losing the original document. “We’re not TSA,” says Eli Dahlin, co-owner of the Light Sleeper wine bar on Chophouse Row. “That should be easy; We try to protect our employees and not to harass our customers. It’s the same routine as showing your ID to a bartender. “

Those who have lost their card can still access the vaccination record

Washingtonians can access their official vaccination records from the state Department of Health through the vaccination log portal, MyIR. Once users have created an account and linked it to their records, they can access their COVID vaccination card from the mobile app. Setting up the account is a little time consuming, but there is a support rep and when he’s done it’s a little easier to get the record than browsing cell phone photos. If you have an iPhone, you can also scan documents with the Notes app, which means that the image is available on all Apple devices.

What happens to those who have just started vaccination?

Health officials do not expect full immunization to occur until two weeks after receiving the second Moderna or Pfizer vaccination, or the single Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Those who are between vaccinations or are less than two weeks away from completing their vaccination series are at higher risk of contracting COVID and should consider whether it is advisable to dine in a restaurant at all. Since the guidelines issued by the individual companies are not part of an official mandate, enforcement can take place on an ad hoc basis. But all Eater Seattle owners said “Proof of Vaccine” means being fully vaccinated according to the book, with occasional exceptions for children under the age of 12 (see below). Some restaurants and bars accept evidence of a negative COVID test within 48 hours as an alternative (others extend this to 72 hours), but it may simply be best to wait until your vaccination series is complete to dine indoors.

IIt’s always a good idea to bring a mask

While many restaurants allow fully vaccinated customers to dine without a mask, some still prefer that patrons have themselves masked when they are not actively eating and drinking. In fact, this is the latest official recommendation from King County Health Officer Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, for all residents of the county whether or not they are fully vaccinated. Breakthrough COVID cases are rare, but recent studies show that there is still some risk of vaccinated people transmitting the disease.

Those who are unable or unwilling to provide proof of vaccination should be willing to go elsewhere (or sit outside)

Parents may be wondering what happens when they take younger children to places that need to be vaccinated, as people under the age of 12 are not eligible for COVID vaccines at all. Most of the places in Seattle that have stricter guidelines are bars and breweries that are over 21 anyway. But there are still a few restaurants with vaccination policies where diners who are not fully vaccinated or unable to provide evidence can dine outside, and where children under the age of 12 can still eat inside as long as they wear masks (Homer at Beacon Hill made such an exception). However, it is best to call ahead to be sure. For people who just don’t want to cater to the needs of a particular restaurant, Seattle is a big city with plenty of other options – and you can eat at home too.

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