Beginning October 25th, King County will require proof of vaccination status or negative Covid test for all customers and patrons who wish to enter restaurants, bars, clubs and music venues, gyms, and outdoor events of 500 or more people.

This new ordinance is to help curb the increase of cases, preserve hospital capacity and prevent business closures.

To make sure you are aware of the new rule, here are some commonly asked questions with answers for you. Still have a question we didn’t answer? Ask it in the comments, or read the full announcement, here.

What Types Of Establishments Will Require This New Rule?

For all patrons and customers 12-years of age and older, verification that they are fully vaccinated is required at the following public events and establishments:

• Outdoor recreational and entertainment events with 500 or more people, such as collegiate sports, professional sports, and concerts. Effective Date: October 25, 2021

• Indoor restaurants, bars, and taverns with seating capacity of 12 and more, AND indoor entertainment and recreational establishments, such as gyms, fitness facilities, public pools, entertainment and performing arts venues, night clubs, music and concert venues, movie theaters, museums, collegiate and professional sports stadiums and arenas, exhibition halls, and convention centers. Effective Date: October 25, 2021

• Indoor restaurants, bars, and taverns with seating capacity of less than 12. Effective Date: December 6, 2021

What Counts As Being “Fully Vaccinated”?

According to King County website, “the order defines full vaccination as two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two weeks after completing another approved vaccine. No personal identification with proof of vaccination will be required.

What If I am Not Vaccinated Or Don’t Have My Vaccine Card? Will A Negative Covid Test Be Accepted?

According to King County’s website, “For people who are unvaccinated or cannot prove vaccine status, they will be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test in 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. Individuals under 12 years of age, who are not eligible to be vaccinated, are not required to be tested for entry.

Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. Public Health, King County, and City of Seattle will be working with partners to provide technical support and educational materials to businesses and organizations implementing the order.”

What Types Of Covid Tests Are Acceptable?

As an alternative to providing vaccine verification, prior to entry individuals must provide digital or printed documentation from a testing agent, including a laboratory, health care provider, or pharmacy of a negative FDA-authorized or approved molecular (e.g., PCR) test, or an FDA-authorized or approved antigen (e.g., rapid) test administered within the previous 72 hours. Antigen tests that are self-administered will not be accepted.

What About Outdoor Dining?

Outdoor dining is exempt from this new order. Those who are unvaccinated, and those who do not have their proof of vaccination nor a valid negative test handy may dine outside.

Are There Any Other Exemptions?

Medical and religious vaccine exemptions are not accepted in place of vaccine verification or documentation of a negative COVID test. However, there are a few exemptions. This ORDER does not apply to:

• Patrons and other individuals entering an establishment for a quick and limited purpose – for example to make a delivery, to pick up take-out from a restaurant, tavern, or bar, or to use a restroom

• Outdoor dining

• Children under 12-years of age

• Any pre-school through grade 12 school-based event of any kind, and both participants and spectators.

• Airports, train stations or other transportation hubs.

• Indoor dining in other buildings that primarily serve non-dining purposes such as mall food courts, and school or employee cafeterias

• Funerals

• Weddings, except those occurring in any of the above public indoor establishments. However, proof of vaccination or documentation of a negative CoV-19 test is strongly recommended.

• Faith-based gatherings, except those occurring in any of the above public indoor establishments. However, proof of vaccination or documentation of a negative CoV-19 test is strongly recommended.

• Vote centers sanctioned by King County Elections at any location.

What About Employees Of Restaurants, Event Venues, And Bars? Are They Required To Provide Proof Of Vaccine Or Negative Test To Work?

According to the official health order, no. Masks will still be required, regardless of vaccination status, for all workers in these establishments.

However, according to King County’s Local Health Officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, “I strongly recommend that employers and event organizers require vaccination for the workers and volunteers at the events and establishments covered by this order.”

Does This Mean No More Masks?

Don’t toss away your masks just yet. This order does not affect the county’s current mask mandate; masks will still be required to enter “all indoor spaces that are open to the public, including gyms, exercise facilities, auditoriums, stadiums, retail, grocery stores, government buildings, and other businesses and places where members of the public can enter freely, and applies to all persons in these facilities, including those practicing or playing recreational sports.”

This order is intended to be an added layer of protection in addition to the mask mandate.

Is This Order Permanent? Or Just Temporary?

According to the official order, is not expected to be permanent. “It will be reviewed no later than six months after the October 25th implementation date to assess its continued need based on future outbreak conditions.”

Questions?

Leave us a comment and we will try to help you find an answer. Otherwise, head to King County’s website for more information.