Metro adds trips and seat signs; No fares through May 31
Crossposted from Metro Matters As King County Metro continues to provide service for essential trips only, we remain committed to making transit as safe and reliable as possible. Realizing that Metro’s reduced schedule and passenger limits have made commuting more challenging for some essential workers, we recently reduced the minimum number of riders for our Vanpool program to two people. Also, for customers with disabilities who are essential workers or are making essential trips, we’ve expanded eligibility for our Metro Access program. Read more from Metro Matters
King County Parks to re-open parks and trails on May 8: ‘Recreate Responsibly!’
King County Parks announced today that on May 8 it will re-open its parks and trails, including regional and backcountry trails, with some restrictions. The county cautions, however, that keeping parks and trails open will depend on visitors practicing safe distancing and following public health guidelines. Parking lots and trailheads will be open, as well as fields, docks and boat launches, and the off-leash dog area at Marymoor Park. Visitors are asked to “Keep it Moving!” and refrain from gathering or playing team sports or pick-up games on the fields. King County… Read More
Making meaning of the COVID-19 race and ethnicity data: A conversation with our health officer and our equity officer
Crossposted from Public Health Insider A recent analysis of updated data by Public Health shows that in King County, COVID-19 is disproportionally impacting communities of color. Our recent blog post dives into the data. We found rates of COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases that are significantly higher for Hispanic/Latinx, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and Blacks and higher for American Indian/Alaskan Natives (though not statistically significant due to the low population numbers) as compared to Whites. To gain a better understanding of disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 by race, we sat down with Matías Valenzuela, Equity Director for Public – Seattle… Read More
Keeping you updated on COVID-19 personnel guidance
Last week, King County extended its mandatory telecommuting for Executive Branch employees who have been telecommuting through Sunday, May 31, 2020. Gov. Jay Inslee has also extended Washington’s stay-at-home order through May 31 and released plan for a phased approach for re-opening the state’s economy. Here is a reminder of our key guidance for County employees. This guidance is subject to change and will be reissued if conditions warrant, and we will update you of any changes: Telecommuting through May 31: King County has extended mandatory telecommuting for Executive Branch employees who have been telecommuting through Sunday, May… Read More
OESJ is confronting hate and bias by strengthening communities
In response to community concerns over the rise in hate and bias incidents in our region, the Civil Rights Program at the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) recently launched a new community-based reporting system for communities experiencing acts of hate and bias. This system is unique to the region and focuses upstream on empowering communities, rather than heightening enforcement through the criminal justice system. Currently, data collected by law enforcement agencies does not accurately portray the realities of hate, bias, and discrimination that many communities face. Underreporting due to tenuous community-law enforcement relationships, lack of… Read More
Emergency Deployment Program helps to facilitate donations and address community needs
The Emergency Deployment Program has seen many employees step forward to join efforts to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), including the deployment of employees to support the King County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). In its response to the virus, the EOC has developed a Donations Management Team to facilitate the donation of hundreds of thousands of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer, as well as meals and other donations to first responders. The team is also responsible for connecting donation resources with community needs, and has set up the King County Regional Donations Connector… Read More
My Secure Advantage: New May webinars and COVID-19 financial resources
As the number of businesses affected by the coronavirus continues to rise, so do the financial impacts on countless employees. My Secure Advantage (MSA) remains steadfast in its commitment to provide responsive, relevant personal financial guidance to employees and their families throughout this crisis and the better days to come. Register now for new May webinars Navigating your Finances in Unpredictable Times: May 1, 2020, 9 a.m. Register here. Investor Education: Managing your Money in Volatile Markets: May 1, 2020, noon. Register here. Tips for Major Purchases: May 12, 2020, 9 a.m. and noon. Register here. I Want… Read More
Black/African Affinity Group finds strength
At King County, having a community to connect with is crucial, even more so in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the County’s Employee Resource Groups, or Affinity Groups, are helping employees support one another. The Black/African Affinity Group centers on providing employees with a community platform. Historically, the focal point of African American life has centered around community such as family, churches, neighborhoods, and organizations, providing a way to connect, share resources, and share knowledge. “Our goal in our Black/African Affinity Group is to bring collective souls together for one purpose…… Read More
Vanpools for just 2+ riders available for essential workers
Crossposted from Metro Matters To support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, King County Metro is offering essential workers the opportunity to form temporary vanpools with as few as two riders. Metro Vanpool is a commuter service using Metro vans for small groups of people – normally five or more coworkers, friends, or neighbors – with a similar origin or destination. Read more from Metro Matters
Not seeing friends and family is hard, but it’s worth it
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Grandparents miss cuddling their grandbabies. Teens miss hangouts and deep talks with their closest friends. We miss seeing our siblings and cousins, best friends, barbers, co-workers, teachers, and gym buddies. Everyone is feeling the strain from the lack of in-person interaction that makes life rich and full. COVID-19 is taking a toll, and we all want life to get back to normal and to spend time together face-to-face. As much as we yearn to see our loved ones, there’s a lot at stake if we let go of… Read More
Employee News 