How to wear a cloth face mask
King County supports employees who may choose to wear a cloth face mask while they are working. If you voluntarily choose to wear a cloth face mask, please carefully review and follow this guidance: Cloth face mask should— Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face Be secured with ties or ear loops Include multiple layers of fabric Allow for breathing without restriction Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape While wearing your cloth face mask – Avoid touching the mask to make… Read More
Guidance on cloth face masks
On Friday, additional guidance on cloth face masks was provided by federal and local public health authorities, and King County quickly moved to identify a supplier and put in an order for cloth masks for front line, non-medical workers. The cloth face masks recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. The county is continuing efforts to identify suppliers and obtain medical masks for healthcare workers and medical first… Read More
New FSA rules in response to COVID-19
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, contains important provisions that affect Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). In addition, under existing rules, certain changes in your situation—called “qualifying life events”—may allow you to increase or decrease contributions or enroll or disenroll from your FSAs. For example, if your spouse loses a job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or any other reason, and can no longer participate in their employer’s FSA plan, you can enroll in King County’s Health Care and Day Care FSAs or increase… Read More
Tech Tip: Changing your password and updating your computer when working remotely
King County Information Technology (KCIT) has developed two documents that explain how to change passwords and receive Windows updates while working remotely on a King County device. Both processes require employees to use VPN AnyConnect. Employees should submit a HelpDesk ticket if VPN permissions are needed. How to change your password when remote How to receive Windows updates when working remotely KCIT’s Telework site has more information to help employees work remotely. Contact the KCIT Help Desk if needed at 206-263-4357 or https://helpdesk.kingcounty.gov.
Doing our part to flatten the curve
Downtown Seattle is home to more than 330,000 jobs and 88,000 residents. The heart of the region, the economic engine, is now quiet. While downtown Seattle is at a near-standstill, we’re flattening the curve and doing what we can to battle COVID-19. The heart still beats strong and we’ll be ready for the comeback. View this video to learn more.
Healthy eating during the coronavirus response
Crossposted from Balanced You Now that you have stocked up on groceries, you may be wondering how to best use all the rice and beans you bought and what recipes will boost your immune system. Balanced You has got you covered. There’s no better support for your immune system than sleeping well, exercising, managing your stress, washing your hands, and eating a healthy diet. Evidence for specific foods that boost immune responses is mixed, but sticking to a balanced diet filled with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables will help you get… Read More
Update for April 6, 2020: Public Health – Seattle & King County reminds residents that keeping apart from others is key to preventing new outbreaks of COVID-19, and also announces 164 new cases
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Public Health—Seattle & King County urges everyone, even people who are young and healthy, to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition, Public Health reported 164 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the official case count in King County to 3,331. Fourteen new deaths were reported, bringing the total of COVID-19 deaths in King County to 222. Story: Staying apart prevents new outbreaks of COVID-19 illness Public Health – Seattle & King County urges everyone, even people who are young and healthy, to stay home… Read More
Free employee virtual training series: Investment strategies in volatile markets
Financial markets are volatile whenever the future earnings of companies, the stability of industries, or the direction of global economies are uncertain. This webinar series is brought to you by My Secure Advantage (MSA). Available dates are: Friday, April 10, 2020 at noon. Register here. Friday, April 17, 2020 at noon. Register here. Friday, April 24, 2020 at noon. Register here. Each webinar in this series by will include government and corporate actions intended to stabilize the markets, investing principles, including current investment opportunities and challenges, and a question and answer period. If you register and cannot attend, a recording of… Read More
Free virtual training for employees: Navigating Uncertainty. Growing Resilience, April 14
Join Making Life Easier as we learn how to navigate these uncertain times with courage, perseverance and a hope that allows us to reimagine a better story ahead. This webinar will help you sShift your perspective when facing adversity from “danger” to opportunity, normalize major life disruptions within the framework of transition, and learn tools that enable growth of resiliency, promotes perseverance and good choice-making. This webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 14 from noon to 1.pm. Register here.
Telecommuting with children at home
Crossposted from Balanced You To slow the spread of coronavirus, all King County employees who can telecommute should now be telecommuting. Because K-12 schools have closed, King County is temporarily allowing parents and caretakers to telecommute while caring for children at home. Telecommuting with children at home is a new experience for most employees and can present its own unique challenges. As such, Balanced You has put together some advice to help you continue to be productive and keep your family safe. Read more from Balanced You
Employee News 