Reducing coronavirus risk as we spend more time indoors for fall and winter
Crossposted from Public Health Insider As the season changes, cooler temperatures mean more time indoors. The risk from COVID-19 increases with indoor gatherings compared to outdoors, but there are ways to reduce the spread and stay healthy. We talked to Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin about COVID-19 risks indoors and what to do about it. Dr. Duchin, you’ve said “outdoors is safer than indoors.” Why is that? Socializing outdoors is less risky than indoors for two main reasons: First, natural outdoor airflow rapidly dilutes viruses floating in the air. Second, sunlight kills viruses. But, as we… Read More
New Climate Action Toolkit will help King County cities develop customized climate strategies, mobilizing the region’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions
A new Climate Action Toolkit created by King County and King County-Cities Climate Collaboration will provide local governments with practical guidance on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for both government operations and at the community-wide scale, spur the growth of an equitable clean energy economy, and preserve our natural environment. If approved by the King County Council, the toolkit that King Executive Dow Constantine announced today will be available at no cost to all 39 cities. It is designed to be a flexible guide for cities in all stages of climate planning to… Read More
Pet of the Week: Mr. Wilson
Hi! My name is Mr. Wilson and I am available for adoption. I am an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing! I like getting attention on my own terms. I can get overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. My caregivers have noticed that I do not seem to get along with other cats and dogs, so I may do best as the only pet in my new home. My personality color is RED. I am… Read More
Lunch and Learn Sessions for Disability Awareness Month, October 7 and 21
In celebration of October as National Disability Awareness Month, the Department of Human Resources is hosting two Lunch and Learn discussions that focus on Race and Disability, to be held via Zoom. We will begin our discussion with a short video and then an open dialogue facilitated by Workforce Equity Manager Gloria Ngezaho, and employees Jennifer Greenlee, Lili Stansberry and Christina Davidson. All King County employees are welcome to join. Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, Oct. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. – Discussion on the intersection of Race and Disability Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, Oct. 21… Read More
Virtual Zero Carbon Conference, October 7 and 8
The International Living Future Institute is happy to invite you to the Zero Carbon Conference! This inaugural event will feature experts from around the world who understand the need for equitable decarbonization in the built environment. Join this virtual event to learn about the technology, materials, and financing needed to pave the way for scalable decarbonization. It’s more important than ever to bring carbon emissions down and change the status quo for the built environment. The keynote speakers at this event will be Tom Steyer, who is well known for his climate… Read More
Roll down your window, roll up your sleeve: Free drive-thru vaccination clinics and more vaccination opportunities
Crossposted from Public Health Insider There’s never been a more important time to make sure you and the people you love are protected from disease. Especially as flu season approaches, keeping up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways you can stay safe, healthy, and far from the hospital during the COVID pandemic. And now you can get vaccinated without having to step out of your car! Drive-thru vaccination options The Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) is hosting a series of drive-thru flu clinics for community members ages 4+ on various dates… Read More
Celebrating Disability Awareness Month in King County
Dear fellow King County employee, Each October, we celebrate Disability Awareness Month in King County and the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community. Every person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, share their unique abilities, and fully participate in everything that our region has to offer. Disability Awareness Month reminds us that we must continue to break down barriers to promote inclusion and expand opportunity for all people with disabilities. The global COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the urgency of this work. COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact… Read More
King County Metro proposed budget maintains region’s network, looks ahead to future growth
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Dow Constantine transmitted Metro’s proposed two-year budget to the King County Council on Sept. 22, starting the formal process for funding the operations of the region’s largest public transportation network. The budget outlines our ongoing commitment to providing reliable bus, water taxi, Access paratransit, and vanpool service – especially to serve riders where needs are greatest. It shows how Metro plans to continue to respond and adapt to the continued challenges of reduced revenue projections and lower ridership as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read… Read More
Residents and workers of King County awarded Executive Award for Community Resilience
The 10th annual King County Executive Award for Community Resilience was presented today to all the residents and workers of King County for their dedication to the community. As King County deals with the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice, residents and workers have stepped up to show what true resilience really looks like. From first responders, to healthcare workers, to teachers and daycare workers, to all the King County government employees, individuals have made tremendous sacrifice to keep others safe. Past recipients have included the Somali Health Board, King County… Read More
Pet of the Week: Domino
Say hello to Domino, our Pet of the Week! This sweet boy was brought in by a good Samaritan earlier this month. He is an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! Domino is an “Easy Going Green” cat that loves to be petted non-stop. He also enjoys climbing up onto high things to guard the room, but the moment you walk in he will run to you and give you all of his love! Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone… Read More
Employee News 