These are likely to come as a shock to the Jefferson County community, Berry said regarding the recent deaths. Anyone age 12 or older will have to show proof that they have been vaccinated against. The IHME projects the states outbreak to worsen in the next six months, with hundreds of thousands of additional cases, thousands of additional hospitalizations, and approximately 1,000 additional deaths, with the majority expected to occur among unvaccinated people. We didnt qualify for any loans. These rules are relatively new and there arent a wealth of studies looking at their direct impact on vaccination rates or virus transmission. Both Mageir Boyd and Butigan have heard mixed reactions to their decisions. "It has not decreased the [COVID] case counts as the policy makers were. PIERCE COUNTY, WA The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has announced a new vaccine verification program, encouraging local businesses to voluntarily require customers to show. Some of them have worked for me the entire time weve been open, so 14 years. The new order went into . It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety. Some residents have opposed the new order. "Five businesses have already joined the pilot, and more are showing interest. "Businesses that choose to take part will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for customers to enter," writes TPCHD Communication Specialist Brett Cihon. If there are businesses or customers who are flagrantly and purposefully not complying, Public Health has options, Constantine said. Updated mask guidance as of August 18, 2021 - this new guidance modifies/overrides some of the answers below, as appropriate. If youre retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you! Pierce County doesn't require patrons to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, like some other counties." The first five participating pilot businesses are ALMA , Crudo & Cotto , Edison City . Health officials say the order going into effect in late October will protect customers and workers by providing safer spaces, reducing the strain on the local health care system, and helping prevent business closures. She's covered personal experiences of community members, state and local policies, affects on the healthcare system, and more. Yesterday Florida broke its own record for coronavirus hospitalizations. requiring proof of vaccination since September, Washington State Department of Healths Jan. 12 report on deaths by vaccination status, King County tracks its COVID-19 data with vaccination status, joined Cryptatropa Bar and Swing Wine Bar & Cafe, Support my work with a digital subscription, Couple closes pioneering Vietnamese restaurant in Tacomas West End after 30 years, Two new locations for Tacoma Farmers Market, plus Angolan treats and savory crepes, Coffee shop opens on Tacomas 6th Ave after rent hike forces it from long-time location, Cocktails to-go, a pandemic-era boon for restaurants, forever legal in WA, Once a year, Tacoma temple cooks hundreds of this hard-to-find Japanese hot pot, A beloved Seattle-area gelato shop is almost ready to start scooping in Tacoma, All-day comfort food headed to historic restaurant space in downtown Tacoma. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. We do believe that vaccine verification policy has provided King County residents with safer indoor restaurants, entertainment venues, and fitness centers, lowering their risk for exposure to COVID-19 in these settings.. For people who are unvaccinated or cannot prove vaccine status, they will be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours, or a negative rapid test result from a testing provider conducted on-site at an event or establishment just prior to entry. The Washingtonian is keeping a running list of Washington, D.C.-area restaurants and bars that have started requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination. It has not decreased the [COVID] case counts as the policy makers were hoping, and it has not increased the vaccination rate, Anton claimed. And thats what you see here, is that requiring a vaccination card really gives the business an opportunity to tell its workers, We have a safe place for you, and its customers, We have a safe place for you. "This program means everyone 12 and older must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at your business," TPCHD explains. It will apply to: The order gives the option for a longer preparation period for smaller restaurants and bars with a seating capacity of 12 or less, setting an extended implementation date of Dec. 6. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Last week, several local sports teams and venues, including the Seattle Kraken, Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders FC, Storm, Thunderbirds, University of Washington Huskies, and all events at Climate Pledge Arena adopted vaccination verification policies. Kate Walters is a reporter covering Covid-19 and the many ways the pandemic has impacted our lives. Cooler Monday on tap before 70-degree heat returns for next two days, Amazon employees return to the office beginning May 1, 1 in 6 Pierce County children dont have enough to eat, WA ferry system peak season surcharges begin Monday, Washington creates missing Indigenous people cold case unit, Seattles cruise industry projected to hit record high, Brock Huard and Friends Rally Around The Fight for First Campaign, Prepare for the next disaster at the Emergency Preparedness Conference. It would be amazing if the government could give incentive in the form of tax breaks to small businesses that make this choice.. Individuals under 12 years of age who are not currently eligible to be vaccinated are not required to be tested for entry. Jefferson Countys rate since it implemented new vaccine requirements has similarly declined, with its seven-day rolling average of daily cases dropping from 14 to 6 during that same period. My staff didnt feel comfortable waiting on people inside. At the Octopus Bar in Wallingford, your ID isnt the only thing you have to flash to get in the door. Below is a non-exhaustive list of restaurants and bars still requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining, gathered from social media announcements and email and phone confirmations. Under the program, local businesses are invited to request customers provide COVID-19 vaccine cards or photos of cards, or printed or mobile records from vaccine providers, MyIR or WA Verify, before they are allowed entry. Gov. She previously covered the food business for Industry Dive and William Reed. In Seattle, some bars and restaurants already require proof of vaccination for entry. Several jurisdictions have already adopted some form of vaccine verification policy, including New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles County, the State of California, British Columbia in Canada, as well as Clallam and Jefferson counties in Washington state. 2 dead, 1 critically wounded in shooting at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle, Think Seattle-area property taxes are rising fast? If youre retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you! Check Out These Homes For Sale In Puyallup. If you own a business with this policy, or are organizing an event with this . On Jan. 16, The Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia will follow. KING COUNTY, WA Starting Monday, patrons will need to bring proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or recently tested negative for the virus, before they can participate in a. In New York City and San Francisco, the rollout of similar rules seem to have gone relatively smoothly. Comments are taken from the latest Thurston County food safety inspection reports. We hadnt been seating anybody inside because of the nice weather. class kills 16-year-old, Washington school says, Arts Walk returns with a flourish as Luminary Procession takes to the streets, Whats happening this week around Thurston County, Two restaurants score at least 60 red points. He said they want people to go about their day safely, and that means using caution by wearing masks, keeping a safe distance, getting vaccinated, and getting tested if you have symptoms. Vaccination remains the most powerful tool we have to reduce illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19, the release said. Be kind to the restaurant workers. Here are inspections for March 22. Here, pedestrians fill a sidewalk in Seattle on June 10, 2021. WHA President and CEO Anthony Anton says you need only look at Clallam and Jefferson counties for evidence of that. City and county leaders and public health officials along with many businesses in the community believe this is the best way to protect against continued high levels of preventable COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and increased deaths driven by the delta variant. Businesses must provide signage about the rules and make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities or those who cant be vaccinated. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Heres what to do if you get it now. Marzano, an Italian restaurant in Parkland near Pacific Lutheran University, said last fall that it would but later decided against it due to a number of issues, said co-owner Brian Marzano by email. Its really about making sure that we all feel safe.. Planning to attend an outdoor concert or show with 500 people or more? Vaccine verification is one part of our multi-faceted COVID-19 prevention strategy that relies on a layered approach including guidance and policies around vaccination, mask use, improved ventilation, and testing, said Gabriel Spitzer, spokesperson for the Seattle-King County Health Department. Some restaurants are letting unvaccinated customers dine outside; others are only letting vaccinated customers in all parts of the business. Since the beginning of February, 18.1 percent of new COVID-19 cases in Jefferson County have been among fully vaccinated residents, meaning 81.9 percent of cases have been among unvaccinated residents, according to county data. The lack of leadership on the issue has left many business owners and their staff feeling abandoned. A forthcoming federal policy would require businesses of. Customers who are not vaccinated are allowed to provide a negative COVID-19 test for entry at BRAVO businesses, or they can request outdoor seating, takeout, and other virtual options. That work is why we have one of the highest vaccination rates and the lowest cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of any major American city. Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options! All had underlying health conditions and were unvaccinated. Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help. >> Learn more about BRAVO from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Last week, the San Francisco Bar Owners Alliance, which represents roughly 300 of the citys bars, directed its members to require customers to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test to drink indoors. Starting on Oct. 25, youll need to either show proof of full vaccination, or proof that you have received a negative COVID-19 test within the past 72 hours if your plans include any of those and many other events in King County. Braxton said its frustrating and hes anxious he could lose business. Contributing writer. The expansion that takes effect Monday targets restaurants and bars with seating capacity of 12 or less, which werent previously included in the requirement. Here are food inspection scores for March 29, Downtown caf food safety violations require reinspection. Since the beginning of February in Clallam County, 9.9 percent of new COVID-19 cases have been among fully vaccinated residents, meaning 90.1 percent of cases have been among unvaccinated residents, according to county data. This is how we do it. Rapid home tests wont be accepted. As the Delta variant swept through the country last fall, several major U.S. cities announced mandates for indoor public places, including New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New Orleans. Getting vaccinated with this incredible vaccine, which is safe, effective, free and life-saving, is simply the right thing to do.. All rights reserved. We must act now and act boldly to change the trajectory of the virus and keep our communities safe.. She said these types of rules will work best to boost vaccination rates if theyre coupled with continued outreach into communities and messaging from trusted voices, and ease of access to vaccines. But there are some indications that the requirements may help move the needle for some people. Beginning Oct. 25, proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test will be required in King Countys restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreation businesses. The patients are: a man in his late 30s from Thurston County; a man in his late 20s from Pierce County; and a woman in her late 20s from King County.