Public Health officials and King County Executive Dow Constantine today provided updated guidance to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

King County is working to model the way for other employers, and is making the following recommendations to King County employees (Note: this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in separately elected agencies [listed below] will receive guidance from their leaders):

• Telecommute: Employees whose work can be performed through telecommuting should do so, with the approval of their supervisors. Please find telecommute resources here and submit a signed telecommute agreement to your supervisor. You can also get KCIT guidance here on the necessary technology tools (SharePoint).
• Please stay home if you are sick, and let your supervisor know if you have concerns about your paid leave balances.
• People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
  • People 60 and older
  • People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
  • People who have weakened immune systems
  • People who are pregnant.

If this applies to you, please consider contacting your supervisor, Division Director, or your department’s HR Manager if you have a concern so changes can be considered. Let your supervisor know if you have concerns about your paid leave balances.

In addition to directions regarding internal employee meetings and events from yesterday, King County will follow today’s mitigation recommendations provided by Public Health regarding public events.

• Public Events: Departments should consider postponing or cancelling all non-essential public meetings or events through March 2020. Please work with your department leadership and use good judgment about which public meetings or events are essential and limit the number of people present where possible. Consider conducting essential and non-essential meetings or events using Skype or teleconference where practical. If departments would like guidance about particular meetings or events, please elevate those concerns for advice and decisions.

Not all employees can telecommute in their work, and we are committed to keeping our employees safe and healthy, and will continue to follow guidance from Public Health to do so. We all have an important role to play in preventing the spread of this virus. Follow personal hygiene and health guidance at Public Health’s website www.kingcounty.gov/COVID and blog www.publichealthinsider.com.

Separately elected agencies: Department of Assessments, Department of Judicial Administration, District Court, King County Council, King County Elections, King County Sheriff’s Office, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Superior Court.

In the spirit of slowing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and keeping a healthy workforce, we are implementing some short-term changes to our operations.

• Meetings: All non-essential King County in-person large group employee meetings and gatherings will be canceled through March 2020. Please work with your supervisors and use good judgment about which meetings are essential and limit the number of people present where possible. Conduct essential and non-essential meetings using Skype or teleconference where practical.
• Telecommute: Employees whose work can be performed through telecommuting are encouraged to do so with the approval of their supervisors. Please find telecommute resources here and make sure you submit a signed telecommute agreement to your supervisor.

We all have an important role to play in preventing the spread of this virus. Follow personal hygiene and health guidance at Public Health’s website www.kingcounty.gov/COVID and blog www.publichealthinsider.com. Please stay home if you are sick, and let your supervisor know if you have concerns about your paid leave balances.  Supervisors will work with their Human Resource Managers (employees only) to address these concerns.

Take advantage of telehealth: Most employees and family members enrolled in a King County medical plan have convenient, round-the-clock access to health care through telehealth, helping relieve the burden on medical facilities. New in 2020, Regence members can use Doctor on Demand™. Kaiser members can use CareChat. With telehealth, you can use your smartphone, tablet, or personal computer to access care—without the hassle of an appointment or waiting room. For details about the different ways you can access care, go to your medical plan page:

• SmartCare Connect(Kaiser Permanente)
• KingCare Select(Regence BlueShield)—see your network page
• KingCare(Regence BlueShield)

King County provides two free services to employees that offer support and advice: the Employee Assistance Program and Making Life Easier. Both resources are free and confidential.

Thank you for your ongoing service during this challenging time. Particular thanks to our Public Health staff who are working tirelessly to respond to COVID-19.