Vaccine verification to expand to small restaurants, bars in King County
Dec 5, 2021, 12:48 PM | Updated: Dec 6, 2021, 12:10 pm
Proof of COVID vaccination is required to dine in at a restaurant in King County. (MyNorthwest photo)
(MyNorthwest photo)
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required at small restaurants and bars in King County starting on Monday.
The vaccination rules only apply to people 12 and older, however, COVID vaccinations are available to children as young as 5 years old.
The vaccine verification builds on a rule that started on Oct. 25 in King County, which stipulates proof of vaccination for everyone ages 12 and up at outdoor events of 500 or more people, at indoor events and establishments, and at restaurants and bars.
The expansion that takes effect Monday targets restaurants and bars with seating capacity of 12 or less, which weren’t previously included in the requirement.
Businesses must provide signage about the rules and make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities or those who can’t be vaccinated.
Acceptable types of documentation include:
- A CDC vaccine card or photo of vaccine card
- Documented proof of vaccination from medical record or vaccine provider
- Proof of vaccination from another state or country
- Printed certificate or digital record from MyIRMobile.com or other apps
On Saturday, the state Department of Health confirmed three cases of the omicron variant in Washington.
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.
It’s not yet known the travel histories, nor the vaccination status of the three individuals. Samples were collected between Nov. 29 and Dec. 1.
Health officials maintain the most powerful tools we have are vaccinations.
“We don’t have any restrictions or lockdowns currently,” Dr. Shah said.
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.
“We do not have plans for anything more than that,” Shah said. “We can never say never, but at the same time, there are no plans for that.”
