Support setting up remote workspaces
Many King County employees are teleworking through July 5, 2021, as we try to limit the transmission of the novel coronavirus and slow its spread. Remote work has its challenges. To support teleworking employees, King County will provide assistance, where needed, with equipment to support telework. This assistance may take four forms: Taking equipment home from work Purchase of home office equipment Furniture, equipment, or supplies for a medical accommodation Connectivity support Necessary furniture and equipment can be purchased prior to the end of 2020, and the County will provide computers and… Read More
Guide for parents with children at home due to COVID-19
The announcement that most schools will start remotely in fall of 2020 creates additional challenges for working parents, as does caring for elderly or sick family members. King County has put together a new guide for parents with children at home whose school or childcare has closed because of COVID-19 to help them better understand their options for adjusting schedules and taking leave to care for family members. The Guidance for parents with children at home sets out several options for working parents, such as adjusted work schedules, the various leaves available, and accessing… Read More
Options for flexible work schedules during COVID-19
King County now offers employees the option to flex their work hours where business needs allow for it. Where permitted, an employee may adjust the time period in which they complete each day’s required work hours to help them better manage the competing demands on their time. For example, instead of a standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work schedule, an employee may be permitted to adjust their schedule to 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. five days a week. Employees may also be permitted to adjust… Read More
Updated mask guidance for employees
King County has released updates to its Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery and Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy, and has provided new guidance on face masks. Under the updated policy, “individuals should use county provided masks or substantially similar masks in the workplace. Bandanas, gaiters, buffs, vented masks and face shields are not permitted substitutes for masks” (Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy, page 9). Face masks must be worn properly in order to avoid contaminating the hands or face of the user. The County has cloth masks available for all employees to use… Read More
New support and resources to help employees during COVID-19
King County has announced some new financial resources, tools, and policy decisions to help employees manage during this pandemic and make our work sites safer for everyone. The new resources include support setting up remote workspaces, more options for flexible work schedules, support resources and leave options for parents with school-aged children at home, and updated guidance on wearing face masks at work. The Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery has also been updated and divided into two separate guides with specific information for employees in one guide, and managers and supervisors in… Read More
King County dedicates $41 million to COVID-19 related rental assistance and eviction prevention
Individuals and families throughout King County economically impacted by COVID-19 due to illness, lost wages and unemployment may apply for assistance through the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine. The new program dedicates $41.4 million for emergency housing aid and is expected to assist 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region. “Many people are facing serious challenges due to COVID-19 and the loss of health or income, leaving them extremely vulnerable to eviction,” said Executive Constantine. “This emergency program will forestall the loss of housing and… Read More
Video: August 24, 2020 Update on COVID-19 in King County with Dr. Jeff Duchin
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Watch the recording of the August 21, 2020 media briefing with Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. Dr. Duchin spoke with reporters and answered questions about the latest status of COVID-19 spread in King County. The briefing addressed the latest trends in cases, the role social gatherings are having locally, and what we can all do now to reduce transmission during the sweet-spot before our weather turns colder.
King County awards COVID-19 relief grants to regional science organizations, arts and culture, and independent live music venues
King County provided $2 million in one-time grants to science, arts and culture organizations, and independent live music venues disrupted by COVID-19 across the region. The program is tailored to organizations that draw tourists and is designed to ease the economic burden of the pandemic while also increasing public health measures. With $2 million of funding backed by the federal CARES Act, King County awarded a total of 62 grants in three categories: Music venues (35 awards) • Arts, culture and science educations organizations (21 awards) • Science organizations (6 awards) The grant funds… Read More
Expanded EBT benefits available for families to feed children who are learning from home
In order to reduce the impact of the pandemic on our community, many school districts have opted for remote learning, meaning many students will be learning from home this year rather than from classroom. While this important decision reduces the risk of families contracting or spreading COVID-19, it also introduces increased financial burden to families that relied on free or reduced-price meals at school and now must adjust their finances to feed their children at home. To lessen this burden, Washington state, in partnership with the federal government, has introduced the temporary… Read More
Substance use and mental health disorder recovery resources during the pandemic
The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation and a cornerstone of many recovery programs – has changed in the face of social distancing. Before coronavirus, rooms and facilities in communities across the globe were filled with groups of people offering each other resources, tips, and stories of strength and hope. Now, those groups have been asked to stop meeting in-person, to prevent the spread… Read More
Employee News 