Gov. Inslee’s statewide vaccine mandate for large events starts Monday

Governor Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for large events kicks in statewide Monday, Nov. 15.

The order applies to everyone 12 or older at outdoor event venues with 10,000 or more people in attendance, and at indoor venues with 1,000 or more people.

‘Community immunity’ against COVID is rising in Washington

“Anyone attending a large event who is 12 or older must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of an event,” explained Lacy Fahrenbach, the state’s deputy secretary for COVID-19 response, in a briefing last week. “Large events are any ticketed or pre-registered assembly of 10,000 or more people at an outdoor event, or 1,000 or more people at an indoor event.”

Gov. Inslee announced this order on Oct. 14, 2021. The order includes concerts, sporting events, fairs, theme parks, and conventions. For now, this requirement applies to ticketed or registered events. It does not include large venues like shopping malls, museums, or grocery stores that are open to the public as a result of their operation, and does not include religious services or events held on K-12 school grounds.

Vaccination status can be verified by using a CDC vaccination record card or a photo of that card, a printed certificate or screenshot from MyIRMobile.com, or other official immunization records from health providers. Confirmation of a negative COVID test can be shown using the records from the test provider or laboratory.

The Washington State Department of Health will also be launching a COVID-19 vaccine verification tool, which will be used to provide digital proof of vaccination for Washington residents.

That proof of vaccination will be provided in the form of a unique QR code, after users fill in their name, date of birth, and contact information, as well as a four-digit PIN. The code can then be saved to the Apple Health app for iPhone users, and to Google Pay for those with Android devices.

It was previously clarified that this new vaccine requirement from the governor only asks for a person’s proof of vaccination status and will not require ID to be shown.

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

In King County, there is already a vaccine verification policy in place for select businesses, including indoor service at bars, restaurants, and other indoor recreation facilities, at theaters, fitness facilities, and at outdoor events with 500 or more people. Under the county policy, proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test taken within the last three days is required from everyone 12 or older.

Find a vaccine appointment near you using the state’s Vaccine Locator tool.

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