Health officer clarifies: King County vaccine verification policy ‘required, not voluntary’

King County is just about 10 days into its vaccine verification policy, which took effect in late October.

King County vaccine requirement for indoor businesses takes effect Oct. 25

Indoor service at bars, restaurants, and other indoor recreation facilities, including theaters, fitness facilities, as well as outdoor events with 500 or more people, require proof of vaccination for everyone 12 or older. Those who are unvaccinated or are unable to verify their vaccine status can show proof of a negative COVID test within the last three days in order to gain entry.

“This vaccine verification requirement is an extension of the vaccine verification policies that many restaurants, professional sports teams here in Washington state, our universities and businesses already had in place,” Dr. Duchin said in a Thursday media briefing.

There has been some confusion heard from business owners, Duchin says, that this order is optional or voluntary for businesses to comply with, but he says that’s not the case.

“I just want to clarify: This vaccine verification policy is required and not voluntary for businesses who are covered under the order,” Duchin said.

“I’m very grateful for those businesses and their staff who have been putting in the time to try and make this work in your settings,” he added. “So thank you very much, and we look forward to hearing from you how it’s going over time.”

State to ‘monitor’ King County vaccine requirements, as it preps new verification tool

Find more information about the county’s policy online here.