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Coronavirus

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 on getting vaccinated, visit www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine.

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.  

 

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.

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

Get involved

Employees can support coronavirus efforts by:



If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

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