The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently shortened the recommended time for isolation of the public when infected with COVID-19. It is now recommended that people with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days (instead of 10) if they are asymptomatic. If they continue to be asymptomatic or their symptoms are improving, and they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, they can come out of isolation after 5 days and return to work.  Additionally, the guidance has changed for those who are exposed to COVID-19 and must quarantine…. Read More

From Woodinville to Covington and locations in between, groups of kids got to experience some holiday cheer thanks to dedicated members of the King County Sheriff’s Office and the support of various community organizations. Shop with a Cop is a program that takes place across the nation during the holidays and locally is an opportunity for law enforcement to connect with the community. The common perception is that when an officer shows up in a neighborhood or at a business it’s because of a disturbance or a traffic accident, or some other… Read More

By Troy Brown, Communication Manager, King County District Court The King County Regional Veterans Court (RVC) seeks to increase effective cooperation between federal, state and local veterans’ service agencies and the criminal justice system. The RVC’s Mentor Program is a key part of the support available to help veterans successfully complete the RVC requirements. “Veterans often find it hard to talk to others who are not veterans, or to ask for help,” says Terrell Carrington, RVC Mentor Program Coordinator for King County District Court, and a U.S. Army veteran himself. “The RVC… Read More

With the highly infectious Omicron variant now circulating rapidly in our region, it is more important than ever to take steps to reduce your risk – including getting a booster dose if you are eligible. If it has been at least six months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or at least two months since your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine booster, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine or use the Washington State Department of Health’s vaccine… Read More

Our top stories and videos for 2021 This past year, the twice weekly Employee News newsletter shared employee accomplishments and events, COVID-19 resources and vaccine updates, training and career development information, and other relevant employee news. The Department of Human Resources Employee Communications Team also featured these items on the KC Employee News blog, the King County Employees YouTube channel, the KCEmployees Twitter account, and the King County, WA LinkedIn account. We would like to thank you, our employee audience, for interacting with this information, sharing it with colleagues, and helping us provide timely news… Read More

Starting Jan. 1, 2022, King County employees may start a King County Metro Vanpool or Vanshare with only three or more participants and the cost will be covered 100% by the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). This reduced ridership minimum from five participants to three or more participants is being offered after the recent survey of employee safety programs highlighted employee interest in more shared ride options for commuting into downtown Seattle. As a result of the survey and support from ETP, the Executive’s Office approved continuing the 100% subsidy for employees commuting in… Read More

The state of Washington is making the following changes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Higher premiums The total premium rate for Washington PFML will increase to 0.6% (from 0.4% in 2021) of each employee’s gross wages up to the 2022 Social Security cap of $147,000 (was $142,800 in 2021). Increased benefit for employees The maximum PFML weekly benefit will  increase to $1,327 for leaves beginning in 2022 (from $1,206 in 2021). The PFML benefit amount is based on your income. Employees to pay a larger… Read More

Do you have money left in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Check the balance of your Health Care or Day Care FSA by going to Navia Benefits and signing in to your account. Expenses incurred by Dec. 31, 2021, must be submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2022. For this year only, any unused funds in your 2021 Health Care or Dependent Day Care FSAs will automatically roll over and be available next year. You do not have to be enrolled in an FSA next year to access these funds. (Normally, the… Read More

We know language access and providing King County communities with accurate information in a language they understand is more important than ever.  When people can receive information and services in the language and format that is accessible, it leads to more equitable and healthier outcomes   King County has $2 million in federal funding to distribute to departments, agencies and divisions to increase language access as part of our pandemic response and recovery efforts. The Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ), in partnership with the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB), will be allocating these resources. Applications will open soon. … Read More

King County’s AnyConnect VPN software will get MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) security starting on December 1, 2021. What does this mean for you? Each time you connect to VPN you must provide your username (username@kingcounty.gov) and password, and verify your identity on a separate device such as a cell phone or digital fob – just like when you access your Microsoft account. For employees currently enrolled in MFA, no additional action is necessary. Simply respond to the MFA security requests on your enrolled device, as described below. If you are not enrolled in… Read More