Why flu vaccine is more important during COVID-19
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Although we can’t predict exactly what will happen this fall and winter, flu will likely arrive while COVID-19 is still circulating, and that makes it even more important to get a flu vaccination. We asked Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, to explain why. Why is it particularly important to get a flu vaccine this season? Jeff Duchin: The prospect of our annual flu outbreak compounding COVID-19 during this fall and winter’s “respiratory virus” season is worrisome. Hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices are likely… Read More
Alongside the ongoing transmission of COVID-19, common colds are on the rise in Seattle and King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider In the fall of 2018, the Seattle Flu Study (SFS) began monitoring respiratory diseases in the Seattle metro area. At the beginning of 2020, SFS partnered with Public Health – Seattle & King County to launch the greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network (SCAN) to track and monitor COVID-19. The combined SFS and SCAN data offer us a window into the effects of COVID-19 mitigation efforts—not only on the spread of COVID-19, but also on the transmission of other respiratory viruses. The findings also remind us of the importance… Read More
Developing new practices for COVID-19 just another day in Payroll Operations
Many groups around King County have had to adapt rapidly to the challenges posed by the coronavirus, switching gears to accommodate new policies and procedures. But for the Central Payroll Operations Team, a small group of employees who already move at a quick pace, these changes are part of their ever-evolving work routine. As we celebrate National Payroll Week, we spoke with Payroll Operations Supervisor Pam Bell to learn more about how the Team is operating during this time. Pam joined King County in 2004 and has been with the Department of Executive… Read More
What happens when you get a COVID-19 test?
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Maybe it’s happened to you: you wake up one morning with a new cough and a slight fever, and you’re not sure what to do. You’re worried it might be COVID, so what are your next steps? Getting tested is one of the best ways to protect your family, friends, and community, but if you’ve never been tested before, you might be a little nervous. We reveal what really happens when you get a COVID test in this short video, below. For more information on testing, including where to… Read More
Get a flu shot this fall
Dear King County Employee, Since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States was recognized in King County just over 6 months ago, I have deeply appreciated the care and commitment to public service I see demonstrated every day by my fellow employees. Our response to the pandemic has been a tremendous effort, where the entire workforce has rallied during a public health emergency to take personal actions to stop the spread of the disease, while at the same time working hard to safely continue delivering critical services to our region…. Read More
Two new COVID-19 testing sites to open in South King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider New testing sites in Renton and Auburn will bring additional free COVID-testing to south King County, where communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. A new site in Auburn opens Sept. 1, and a new site will open in Renton on Sept. 8. If you have symptoms, get tested early Early testing is important to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to friends, family, and the community. It is important to get tested immediately if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, shortness of breath, fever,… Read More
Join the conversation about employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic
All employees will soon receive an invitation by email or mail from the Auditor’s Office and the University of Washington to participate in a short, voluntary survey about employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work builds on some of the safety surveys and communication you might have already received. By providing your insights, you can help to continuously improve wellness and safety efforts at the county and contribute to occupational health research being conducted by the University of Washington.
King County pulse survey starting Sept. 8
King County is conducting a short pulse survey of a random sample of employees to get a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce, starting Tuesday, Sept. 8. This survey builds on the May 2020 survey and listening sessions of more than 1,000 randomly selected Executive branch employees, which asked about their experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its affect on their work. Its results will be used to better understand how the County can effectively support employee well-being at this time, and the changing nature of work. As this is a… Read More
Resources for parents and caregivers during COVID-19
Being a parent or caregiver during this pandemic is tough. Between school schedules, naps, entertainment, meals, finances, and work, 2020 is one big balancing act for employees caring for kids. Balanced You understands the toll that this stressful and unprecedented time is taking on working parents and caregivers, and we want to make sure employees know there are resources available from King County to help you through this. A summary of available resources can be found in this Balanced You blog post. If there’s anything else Balanced You can do to support you,… Read More
Make the most of your FSAs during the pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted many aspects of daily life, and may have affected the amounts you are spending on day care and health care. The following reminders can help you make the most out of your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow you to set aside pre-tax money for day care and medical expenses. Day Care FSAs With many schools and daycare facilities closed, many employees are struggling to find a provider who can watch their children during working hours. If your day care expenses have changed due to the COVID pandemic, you… Read More
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