Greetings, Seattle Metro Chamber Members,
Today, King County announced it is working on vaccine verification requirements, effective likely in October. Vaccine verification will be required upon entry at some non-essential indoor business activities and other venues.
Over the summer, we saw in real-time how quickly the novel coronavirus can adapt and how diligently we need to adapt our precautions accordingly. The good news is that even with the Delta variant, vaccination remains highly effective at reducing your chances of getting the virus, getting hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19. In yesterday’s Seattle Times, King County officials noted that over the past 30 days, unvaccinated people were seven times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than fully vaccinated people, 49 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 32 times more likely to die.
The science is clear: vaccines work. We know they are on the path to a safe and sustained reopening, and I’m proud that our region has been a national leader in getting shots in the arms.
As cases, hospitalizations, and deaths increase, there are public policy choices about how to minimize the risks. As a business advocate, we saw the dramatic impacts of restrictions and closures on many of our members and their employees before vaccines were available. Now, with 4 out of 5 of our county’s residents fully vaccinated, we want to keep businesses open and operating safely and have advocated for an approach that will allow our members to do so.
Help is on the Way
King County is still working on many details of its vaccine verification program. We don’t know for sure which member businesses will be impacted, nor do we know how this program will be enforced. The County said today full details will be announced after collecting input from businesses, community organizations, labor unions, and cities.
The Chamber is in close contact with the County to learn as much as we can about the coming program and provide input on behalf of the business community. King County has committed funds to the Chamber for technical assistance and outreach to businesses across the county so that you have the information and tools to get ready before the mandate goes into effect.
This is right in line with our work as King County’s associate development organization (ADO), and our team is getting our ducks in a row now so that we are ready to help businesses prepare.
You can count on the Chamber to be your advocate through this process. We are in active and close communication with the county and will forward your input. Please send any questions and input to Executive Vice President Markham McIntyre by 5 p.m. this Thursday, Sept. 9. You can also share your thoughts directly with the County by emailing coronavirus@kingcounty.gov by Thursday.
Stay healthy,
Rachel
Rachel Smith
President and CEO