Update on our services in Safe Start Phase 2
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC King County is now in Phase 2 of Gov. Inslee’s “Safe Start” plan, another step forward as we work to carefully and gradually recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus at Regional Animal Services of King County continues to be helping people and pets safely as our region emerges from the public health emergency. Many of our services can be accessed online or by phone from the comfort of your home, including animal control response, lost and found pet services, and pet licensing. Phase 2 allows many businesses and service providers to assist in-person… Read More
The virus hasn’t let up and we can’t either
Crossposted from Public Health Insider On June 19, King County was approved for Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan. Phase 2 allows for twice the capacity in retail, restaurants, and other businesses previously allowed in King County’s modified Phase 1 and goes into effect immediately. There are several new things that we can do in Phase 2. We can now enjoy eating out a favorite restaurant—and it will be roomy because capacity is limited to 50%. You can shop more easily to get what you need at a clothing store. You can gather… Read More
King County enters Phase 2 of Safe Start recovery plan
King County’s application to enter Phase 2 of Gov. Inslee’s Safe Start recovery plan was approved by the state Department of Health last Friday, allowing many businesses following the state guidelines to operate at double the capacity of the modified Phase 1. Following approval by state Secretary of Health John Wiesman, King County has officially entered Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start recovery plan to allow limited business re-opening. Phase 2 allows for twice the capacity in retail, restaurants, and other businesses Read more in the official press release.
Some good news
Crossposted from the Captain’s Blog We interrupt this beautiful day to bring you beautiful news – more water taxi service is floating your way starting Monday, June 22! As Washington State moves forward with its “Safe Start” plan, the Marine Division is enhancing service on the water taxi routes to Vashon Island and West Seattle starting next week. Both routes will operate a Monday to Friday commuter schedule. This means that service will triple over its current level of service. Read more.
King County Metro restores some transit service starting June 22
Crossposted from Metro Matters With stabilized workforce levels and the state’s “Safe Start” plan moving forward, King County Metro will restore service on dozens of bus routes, increase water taxi service, and partially restore Via to Transit on Monday, June 22. The move fully restores 23 bus routes that were canceled in March and April and adds trips to other routes. A few recently canceled peak commuter routes will be restored, while other routes will remain suspended due to financial constraints and lower anticipated ridership. The result is Metro will operate more… Read More
Community support: Helping seniors stay safe at home during COVID-19
Crossposted from Community Connections The growing senior population in King County has been facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. Our Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) funded senior centers have prioritized keeping their community of seniors safe while adapting typical service delivery and developing new ways to meet clients’ needs. Below, we feature three VSHSL-funded senior centers that have found creative ways to serve seniors during this challenging time. Read more.
Juneteenth: Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States
Dear fellow King County employee, Tomorrow, June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth, marking the day in 1865 that Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, with word that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved Africans were now free. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, and is an opportunity to reflect on and learn about our nation’s history, Black history, our shared history. It is a time to celebrate the vital contributions that Black and African Americans have made – and continue to make… Read More
King County distributing 25 million face coverings to residents, workers and businesses
With King County preparing for a transition to Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start Plan, and county and state directives about face coverings in effect, the county is distributing 5 million cloth face coverings and 20 million disposable face coverings to residents, workers and businesses. “We made good progress at flattening the curve, and saved thousands of lives, but with increasing activity comes the need for ever-increasing vigilance to protect each other from COVID-19,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The county is providing these face coverings at no cost so… Read More
Finding connection and centering People of Color during Pride 2020
In June of every year, Pride Month – a celebration of visibility, equality, connection, and self-affirmation – is celebrated by the LGBTQ+ community across the country and around the world. This year, as the Black Lives Matter movement grows, it is important to remember that the first Pride was held in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall riots. These riots, led by trans women of color fighting against police brutality and oppression, were the catalyst for the rights our LGBTQ+ community has today. As we continue to protect ourselves and our community from… Read More
Looking back at Pride in celebration and solidarity
Usually at this time of year, King County employees, family, and friends are getting ready to take part in the Seattle Pride Parade and other community events in support of LGBTQ+ rights. While we can’t celebrate in person this year, we will celebrate the spirit of Pride, the fight for equality and acceptance for all, and the voices and rights of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ people. We’ve put together short video to look back at King County Pride over the years, and remind us that the fight continues today. Watch the video here and… Read More
Employee News 