|
|
As we continue to be one of the most vaccinated cities in American with the lowest cases, hospitalizations and deaths, we are seeing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge across our region and country driven primarily by unvaccinated individuals in the region and state.
It’s clear that we must act now – and act boldly – to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe. That’s why King County is issuing a Local Health Order to implement a vaccination verification policy across our region to keep our residents and businesses open and safe.
Beginning October 25, 2021, across King County, customers will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or negative test within 72 hours, to enter:
-
Outdoor events with 500 people or more (such as professional and collegiate sports and entertainment events)
-
Indoor recreational events or establishments regardless of size (such as professional and collegiate sports, performing arts and live music venues, movie theaters, museums, gyms, and conventions)
-
Restaurants and bars. This does not apply to outdoor dining, take-out customers, and places that aren’t primarily used for indoor dining such as grocery stores. Small restaurants and bars, defined as those with seating capacity for less than 12 people, will phase in on December 6, 2021.
We know that vaccination requirements are an effective tool to decrease COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. An analysis from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that the vaccine verification policy at restaurants, bars and gyms/fitness centers alone could have a significant positive impact, preventing between 17,900 and 75,900 infections, 421 and 1,760 hospitalizations and 63 and 257 deaths locally over six months with the order in place. You can find more information on this new King County policy at www.kingcounty.gov/verify.
As a City, we innovated and brought nation-leading testing and vaccination sites to our residents. Every step of way we have followed the advice of public health officials and scientists.
The City of Seattle is proud to implement a vaccination verification policy, both for our residents, and as an employer. Vaccination verification is the right thing to do for our workers, our customers, our economy, and the health and vitality of our city.
Rain and gusty winds will move into Seattle on Friday, September 17 and remain in the area through the weekend, with the heaviest rain anticipated on Friday night.
Rain and wind can lead to tree damage and power outages, and heavy rain can create hazardous driving conditions due to flooding and low visibility. Here are some tips to help you get ready for storm season:
-
Report outages by calling (206) 684-3000
- Report flooding by calling (206) 386-1800
-
Drive safely
-
Sight up for AlertSeattle
September 19, we're hosting a Welcome Back Seattle finale concert at the Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center! The Vera Project will provide free screen-printing of an exclusive Welcome Back Seattle design. Local Seattle hip-hop, soul, and R'n'B artists will perform until sunset., with Adra Boo hosting!
Due to likely rainfall, the Welcome Back Seattle Finale Concert is moving indoors to Fisher Pavilion. To support social distancing, Fisher Pavilion will not operate at full capacity, and masks and proof of full vaccination is required.
Concert lineup:
-
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Screen-printing with The Vera Project
-
4:00 - 4:30 p.m.: Essam
-
5:00 - 5:45 p.m.: Fly Moon Royalty
-
6:15 - 7:30 p.m.: Sango
When: Sunday, September 19, 2 - 7:30 p.m. (RSVP)
Where: Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
 |
Seattle has been picked to host the All-Star game in 2023! This event will come as our brand-new waterfront opens, and with our high vaccinations and investments in downtown recovery - Seattle ready for baseball fans to experience everything our city has to offer!
Free, Accessible Testing Remains Key to Curbing Further Spread of Delta Variant
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today announced that City of Seattle COVID-19 testing sites created over the pandemic have administered one million tests since beginning operations in 2020. Testing sites include fixed locations with UW Medicine in Aurora, SODO, Rainier Beach, and West Seattle, as well as seven Curative kiosks placed throughout the city. The free testing infrastructure has been used by more than one in three Seattle residents.
“We don’t need to rehash the budget debates of last year on defunding, cuts, and out of order layoffs, but as a City, we need to address the real hiring and retention challenges at the Seattle Police Department,” said Mayor Durkan. “It’s a false choice to invest in alternatives or hire and retain officers to meet our current 911 response – we have shown we can invest tens of millions in new alternatives like HealthOne, civilian Community Service Officers, and prevention programs. I urge Council to approve a plan to address our staffing crisis and give the Seattle Police Department the critical resources it needs to hire and retain officers committed to community policing and public service.”
 |
Calling all youth leaders ages 12-24! Are you interested in OR currently working on a project that speaks out against racism and hate in your community? The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) has a grant opportunity for you!
Applications are open now for DEEL’s Youth-Led Social Justice Mini-Grant. Youth can apply either as individuals or as a group, with up to $8K available per awardee. Learn more and apply at: tinyurl.com/SeaSJYouthGrant
 |
By: Katie Campbell, Angela King, and Eilis O’Neill
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan says local businesses have already been leading the way on measures like proof-of-vaccination requirements to combat the pandemic.
Carla Leonardi owns one such business, Cafe Lago in Seattle's Montlake neighborhood.
It's a rule she and her staff have been enforcing on their own since early August. In fact, a collection of bars and restaurants around Seattle have required customers to show proof-of-vaccination.
"We did worry a bit about the legal implications of it, if someone was going to be that upset at us to perhaps want to take us to court about it," she says. "But we went ahead and did it anyway. So, it's really great to have the county's support backing us up."
She notes, however, that other local, small business owners weren't prepared to take that leap on their own. Leonardi heard some attorneys even advised against businesses implementing their own policies to avoid any risks.
"My staff, they were the impetus for it. They were the ones who came to me," she says. "They were more than willing to implement it ... I wouldn't have done it otherwise."
|
|
|
