Staying safer as COVID-19 infection rates increase
Dear employee, Nationally and locally our Public Health agencies are reporting an increase in COVID-19 infection rates in communities. This escalation in infections is also reflected in our work community, with increasing numbers of employees testing positive for COVID-19 or reporting significant exposure to those who have tested positive. Temporary statewide restrictions announced by the Governor are in place to help reduce the rate of infections. Workplace exposure The County continues to review workplace exposures where employees report that they have tested positive for COVID-19. County staff conduct workplace contract tracing on… Read More
More than 500 nurses urge King County to confront the surge
Crossposted from Public Health Insider In the midst of an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, more than 500 King County nurses are issuing an urgent call to renew efforts to turn around this troubling trend. “It’s been a tough year, and we’ve all sacrificed so much to stay safe. But now, with cases skyrocketing in King County, it’s more important than ever to stop the spread,” reads the nurses’ message, published Sunday in a special wrap-around section of the Seattle Times. Read more.
COVID-related Paid Administrative Leave extended to June 2021
King County is extending the eligibility period for accessing Paid Administrative Leave (PAL) for COVID-related reasons to June 2021 for non-represented employees, and is bargaining the same extension for represented employees. This is an extension of the timeframe in which the existing 80 hours of Paid Administrative Leave for COVID-related reasons can be used (see COVID-related Paid Administrative Leave for details); additional hours are not being awarded. For non-represented employees, this extension will last until either June 25, 2021, or June 30, 2021, depending on whether the employee’s pay period is biweekly or semi-monthly. Represented employees… Read More
Executive Constantine statement on updated COVID-19 restrictions
King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered the following statement at Gov. Jay Inslee’s press conference announcing new guidance on how to slow the spread of COVID-19, and new restrictions in place until Dec. 14: “Like everywhere in the state, our case counts are soaring, and that is also true nationally. The number of hospitalizations in King County last week increased by over 70 percent compared to the previous four weeks. “In fact, it was just earlier this week that I was reflecting that our hospitalizations had not increased dramatically, and then later that afternoon I… Read More
Health officer statement on new COVID-19 measures
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Statement from Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, on Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement of new measures to control the surging outbreak of COVID-19 in Washington state: COVID-19 transmission and the number of people being infected are at all-time highs in King County and the outbreak is growing in size faster than ever. In the past week, hospitalizations have increased by 70%. Cases are on a trajectory to continue to increase and will be followed by even more hospitalizations and deaths. Read more.
Guidance on temporary statewide restrictions announced by Governor
On Sunday, Nov. 15, Governor Jay Inslee announced temporary restrictions to be in effect statewide until Dec. 14 to slow the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. The new restrictions, with the exception of changes to restaurant operations, go into effect on Monday, Nov. 16 at midnight (12:01 a.m. Tuesday); restaurant changes go into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Indoor gatherings with people outside the household will be prohibited unless they quarantine for the 14 prior to the social gathering or quarantine for the seven days prior to the gathering, and receive… Read More
Records management guidance and resources for teleworking
As King County continues to adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, county employees are facing unprecedented changes. In particular, much of the county workforce is either adapting to long-term telework or facing space consolidations and office moves. These changes have highlighted the importance that records and information play in our everyday work. All county employees access records and information in order to do their jobs and changes to our work environment can present challenges to accessing that helpful information. Luckily the King County Records Management Program provides various resources and services to… Read More
Reminder on wearing masks at work
As we try to slow the spread of COVID-19, please remember that all Executive Branch employees must wear face coverings over their noses and mouths if they are likely to be in contact with another individual and distancing of six feet is not able to be maintained. If an employee has a medical condition that impacts the employee’s ability to wear a mask, they should contact their HR Manager. The county may not be able to reasonably accommodate a disabled employee’s request that they be exempted from the requirement to wear a… Read More
Video: As COVID-19 cases spike, an update from Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin
Crossposted from Public Health Insider In recent days, King County has seen the highest COVID-19 case counts we’ve experienced to date. In light of these increases, we’re sharing Dr. Jeff Duchin’s November 6th, 2020, press briefing where he discusses the rising numbers and what we need to do to turn around this outbreak. View the update below.
Additional Mental Health First Aid@Work Trainings added
More than 20 million Americans experience a mental health challenge in any given year. In a world that sometimes makes it feel impossible to ask for help, it’s up to all of us as people leaders and co-workers to know when to help, what resources are available, and how to offer support. Mental Health First Aid@Work Trainings will teach you how to recognize the signs and symptoms of different mental health challenges and conditions and connect someone to resources at work or in the community. Trainings have been scheduled through the end of the… Read More
Employee News 