Coronavirus

Masks are optional in all settings, including public-facing spaces, except on public transportation and in congregate settings and health care facilities, such as detention facilities and public health clinics, where masks will continue to be required. Superior Court and District Court will continue requiring masking in court rooms and in areas where work is done with members of the public. In all other areas, masking is encouraged for Superior Court employees but not required. District Court will continue to require that all District Court employees wear masks in all areas while at work. Employees still have the option to wear face masks, even when they are not required. King County supports and encourages any employee who chooses to wear a face mask at work if it makes them more comfortable.

For SmartCare (Kaiser Permanente) members:

Mail a Member Reimbursement Form and your receipt(s) to Kaiser Permanente. Visit Kaiser’s COVID-19 testing web page for up-to-date information. You can also schedule an in-person COVID-19 test at a Kaiser Permanente facility, if medically appropriate.

For KingCare and KingCare Select (Regence/CVS) members:

CVS, the pharmacy benefit manager for Regence plans, is currently developing its process with network pharmacies to directly bill CVS for at-home COVID-19 tests, but it’s not complete. If your local pharmacy has COVID-19 tests available, you may be able to get them at no cost. If the pharmacy can’t direct bill, you’ll need to buy the test and submit a claim for reimbursement to CVS online or through the CVS app. If you need help, call CVS at 800-552-8159. Have your CVS member ID card handy. The King County group ID number is 0385.

For more information, go to COVIDtests.gov.

Please stay home if you are sick, and let your supervisor know if you have concerns about your paid leave balances.

You can telework, if appropriate in your role, or use accrued or donated leave.

Starting March 1, employees must only wear a mask in indoor settings and enclosed spaces that are accessible to the public, regardless of vaccination status. This applies to all King County buildings, facilities, and structures that the public can enter, including public lobby and meeting spaces, public indoor recreation spaces, public service counters, and similar spaces open to the public. In areas that are not accessible to the public, employees who are fully vaccinated may remove their mask while indoors. We encourage and support anyone who wants to keep wearing a mask indoors. Masks remain required in congregate settings and health care facilities, including detention facilities and public health clinics.

Get accurate information from the CDC website, and/or the King County Public Health website.  Also consider contacting the King County Employee Assistance Program.

Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We’re stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. Take advantage of these resources to prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma. Find out how.

This guidance applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County government (definitions below) are advised to confirm policy questions with their human resources staff and leadership.

Executive Branch departments: Department of Assessments, Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, Department of Executive Services, Department of Community and Human Services, Department of Human Resources, Department of Judicial Administration, Department of Local Services, Metro Transit Department, Department of Natural Resources and Park, Department of Public Defense, Department of Public Health, Executive Department, King County Elections, King County Sheriff’s Office (The King County Sheriff’s Office is administered by the King County Sheriff).

Other branches of County government: District Court, King County Council, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Superior Court.

• Executive Branch departments: Department of Assessments, Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, Department of Executive Services, Department of Community and Human Services, Department of Human Resources, Department of Judicial Administration, Department of Local Services, Metro Transit Department, Department of Natural Resources and Park, Department of Public Defense, Department of Public Health, Executive Department, King County Elections, King County Sheriff’s Office (The King County Sheriff’s Office is administered by the King County Sheriff).

  Other branches of County government: District Court, King County Council, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Superior Court.

Restrictions on in-person work for remote workers have been removed. If you are currently telecommuting, please discuss plans for in-person work with your supervisor.

A designated work area is recommended for teleworking, and can mean fewer distractions or interruptions. Think about your space at home and how you might make the most of it to successfully telecommute. If you feel you cannot successfully perform work outside of the workplace, please contact your supervisor to discuss options.

It can be challenging to maintain good ergonomic practices when working away from the office. Review these tips for good ergonomic practices when working from home by King County Safety and Claims. Check out this safety checklist provided by www.telework.gov for working from home. You may request an ergonomic evaluation and find more resources on the Safety and Claims Ergonomic evaluation webpage.

With many employees telecommuting at this time in line with the County’s guidance, employees are permitted to take home laptop peripheral equipment, including monitors, to help them continue to be productive during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Employees must receive supervisor approval prior to taking peripheral equipment home, such as a monitor, mouse, or other devices. Supervisors should keep a record of any equipment that is being taken home. Departments are responsible for keeping an inventory of equipment taken home. (Note: this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in separately elected agencies should check with their IT staff).

Employees who need assistance in the setup of peripheral equipment should contact the KCIT helpdesk at https://helpdesk.kingcounty.gov/ to live chat with an agent or submit a ticket, or call 206-263-4357 (3-HELP).

King County offers a comprehensive telecommuting resources webpage to help employees stay connected and engaged while telecommuting. Employees can also review Balanced You’s Self-care for telecommuters during the COVID-19 pandemic as a resource.

KCIT has produced a comprehensive Telework Resources website to help you with technology tools and resources.

If you want to continue to telecommute, but have been instructed to plan to return to the workplace, please discuss this with your supervisor who can work with leadership on your request. The County’s approach on telecommuting will be evaluated periodically and decisions will be guided by operational need and public health advice.

• If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you're a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact our novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977.
• The call center will be open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM PST.
• For general questions about COVID-19 or Washington State's response, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.

• If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Isolate yourself and wear a mask before leaving the house. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.