Question 1

Why is this policy being allowed to sunset?

Accepted Answer

Public health officials say infection rates are dropping rapidly, hospitalization numbers are improving and hospitals are better able to care for patient loads. Also, more people are now vaccinated and protected against severe COVID-19. Since this policy was adopted, the number of people fully vaccinated increased from 68% of the total population to now almost 80%; 87% of those 12 years and older are fully vaccinated and 95% have started the vaccine series.

Question 2

What do I tell employees and customers about the end of the vaccine verification requirement?

Accepted Answer

King County’s data shows that we have turned the corner on COVID-19, and it is now safe to lift this requirement.   To maintain pandemic-reduction goals, employees must continue verifying vaccination status until the requirement ends March 1. We cannot stop right when we are so close to the end.  While this requirement is ending, King County’s mask order remains in effect until otherwise notified.

Question 3

Is my business allowed to continue requiring vaccine verification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are more than welcome to keep checking vaccine cards! Below is an updated sign you can display in your business to communicate to customers that you still require vaccine verification, reflecting that it is no longer required by the county.  Download sign for requiring vaccine verification after March 1   Here is what you can tell customers if you are maintaining the vaccine verification requirement:  ·         Your safety is our priority. Even though the county has decided to lift the vaccine verification mandate we have decided to maintain the process as COVID-19 is still a risk to many in our community.  ·         Our business continues to require vaccination verification or a negative test result at this time. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.

Question 4

How can employers make their workplace safer for employees and patrons?

Accepted Answer

There are additional steps recommended by public health officials to improve the safety of workspaces:  ·         Maintain masking and social distancing requirements. ·         Improve air circulation in employee workspaces. ·         Improve ventilation systems to increase air flow and filtration. ·         Provide curbside or takeout services.

Question 5

Can we stop wearing masks now that this policy is ending?

Accepted Answer

No, the indoor mask mandate will still be in effect until Public Health authorities determine it is safe to begin reducing or removing mask mandates.

Question 6

What should employees do if customers are angry that the requirement is ending or that a business decided to keep verifying patron’s vaccination status? Are there tools to help with de-escalation?

Accepted Answer

There are a handful of resources the Chamber has put together in collaboration with King County Public Health in case there are instances where the interactions escalate and become unsafe.  · Crisis Prevention Top 10 De-Escalation Tips Revisited · Vaccine Verification De-Escalation Toolkit (LINK to new PDF doc)

FAQ for Businesses

Related

Frequently Asked Questions
updated 03/02/2022

FAQ for Businesses

Related

Frequently Asked Questions updated 03/02/2022

Frequently Asked Questions
updated 03/02/2022