Coronavirus
Important information for King County employees
COVID-19 public health emergency officially ended May 11
The COVID-19 National Emergency and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially ended May 11, 2023. Many of the benefit coverages that increased temporarily during the health emergency have returned to normal, and regular deductibles, copays, and coinsurance now apply. For example:
- Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are no longer covered.
- COVID-19 PCR lab tests are covered when ordered by an in-network provider.
- COVID-19 treatments and prescription drugs are subject to your medical plan’s normal cost-sharing amounts (i.e., copays or coinsurance).
For additional information, see How the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency impacts your employee medical and pharmacy benefits or contact the Benefits Team at 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits.
Effective February 6, 2023, King County no longer requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of Executive Branch employment. Employees providing health care services who are covered by federal mandate (e.g., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) or employees working in non-county facilities where outside employers require vaccination (e.g., Harborview Medical Center) will still be required to be vaccinated. These employees will be notified by their supervisor about their ongoing vaccination requirements For more information, see the Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy. For more information on getting vaccinated, visit www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine.
Masks for employees
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Employees in health care settings, including those in Jail Health, are required to always wear a mask while in patient-facing settings.
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Some executive branch employees may work in county facilities that have more restrictive mask requirements, for example in courtrooms or in areas where court business is conducted with the public. Executive branch employees must abide by those more restrictive requirements when working in those areas.
Leaves available for COVID-19-related absences
Employees can use their accrued leaves (sick, vacation, executive leave, comp. time, and benefit time off (BTO)) for COVID-19-related absences, these include: • The employee’s own health condition; • The health condition of a family or household member; • A school or childcare closure due to COVID-19; • Employees who are medically verified as high risk, and want to stay home and are unable to telecommute; • Employees who are exhibiting symptoms and are sent home; and • For COVID-19 testing. Learn more in this policy.
Masks for employees
-
Employees in health care settings, including those in Jail Health, are required to always wear a mask while in patient-facing settings.
-
Some executive branch employees may work in county facilities that have more restrictive mask requirements, for example in courtrooms or in areas where court business is conducted with the public. Executive branch employees must abide by those more restrictive requirements when working in those areas.
End of vaccine mandate
- Effective February 6, King County no longer requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of Executive Branch employment. Employees who were teleworking as an accommodation will be able to return to onsite work. Vendors, volunteers, official board and commission members, and contractors no longer need to provide proof of vaccination.
- Employees providing healthcare services covered by federal mandate (e.g., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) or employees working in non-county facilities where outside employers require vaccination (e.g., Harborview Medical Center) will still be required to be vaccinated. These employees will be notified by their supervisor should ongoing vaccination requirements change. For more information, see the Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy.
Vaccine guidance
Updated (bivalent) booster vaccines are now available. The updated booster shots will target Omicron variants that are spreading and also the original strain of the COVID virus. CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose:
- For everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose.
- For children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.
- There is no booster recommendation for children aged 6 months to 4 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series.
Contact information
COVID-19 information
For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid.
For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Say your preferred language when connected.
Request an accommodation
If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov.
Isolation and quarantine requests
For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. Staff are available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- 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.
Stay up to date
If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.