Important news about face-to-face customer service and travel restrictions
To slow the spread of COVID-19, King County will close many face-to-face customer service operations from Monday, March 16, through at least Friday, March 27. Please see the affected services at kingcounty.gov/ServiceChanges. Employees are expected to report to work as normal unless they have a prior arrangement to telecommute or take leave. Employees will continue to provide services by phone, online, and by email wherever possible. Supervisors, managers, and leaders will provide additional information to their employees as needed. Telecommuting: Per prior guidance, employees who can telecommute are expected to telecommute where… Read More
Changes to paper paychecks and direct deposit pay stubs
As part of efforts to reduce exposure and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Payroll Operations is changing the process for printing and distributing paper paychecks and direct deposit pay stubs. The following changes begin March 19: If you currently receive a paper paycheck: Beginning March 19, all paper paychecks will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service to the address printed on your last check. If the address on your last paycheck is not accurate, go to PeopleSoft to make changes. Now is a great time to Set Up Your Payroll Direct Deposit, if… Read More
Protecting network security during COVID-19
During this COVID-19 outbreak, please be extra careful when accessing external sources of information. Fake coronavirus website and emails have been identified, and can compromise our network security if accessed. Please do not share links that have not been approved by county leadership. King County will share the latest information with employees from Public Health via its website www.kingcounty.gov/COVID and blog www.publichealthinsider.com, and our official communications channels.
New limits on large gatherings, other emergency strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19
Crossposted from Public Health Insider In addition to Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation that prohibits large gatherings of more than 250 people, Public Health—Seattle & King County is also issuing a Health Officer order to minimize the health impacts of COVID-19. Under an order from Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, Public Health prohibits large gatherings of more than 250 people. Read more from Public Health Insider
Self-care tips for telecommuters during the coronavirus response
Crossposted from Balanced You As King County responds to the coronavirus (COVID-19), many employees have been asked to telecommute as a form of “social distancing” to reduce the community risk of coronavirus transmission. Furthermore, the CDC has recently issued guidance that everyone minimize time spent in large groups, and that immune-compromised, chronically ill, and older adults stay home as much as possible. While these strategies have many benefits, the sudden switch can throw off your routine. Balanced You wants to support you in rethinking self-care during this time. Up-to-date information on how to protect yourself… Read More
Updated COVID-19 guidance for employees – March 11, 2020
Dear King County employee, Governor Jay Inslee, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and other regional leaders jointly announced new strategies to minimize the spread of COVID-19 at a press conference at King Street Center this morning. The new health order includes: All events of more than 250 people are prohibited, including large conventions or conferences, sporting events, concerts, fundraisers, or other recreational events In addition, events with fewer than 250 attendees are prohibited unless event organizers take prescribed steps to minimize risk. In line with today’s announcement, King County is providing the… Read More
Benefits and resources to help with COVID-19
Your King County employee benefits package includes a wealth of valuable resources you can rely on to help you stay healthy or recover from illnesses such as the new coronavirus known as COVID-19. Some benefits to keep in mind are summarized below. SmartCare (Kaiser Permanente) medical plan resources Kaiser Customer Service 888-901-4636 Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days per week Call for information, provider assistance, pharmacy questions, appointments, and advice. Ways to access care and advice: Telehealth visits: Kaiser offers care and advice without an in-person visit—including phone, email, and… Read More
Livestream of coronavirus press conference at 10:15 a.m. today, March 9
You can tune in to this livestream at 10:15 a.m. today where King County Executive Dow Constantine, Governor Jay Inslee, and regional leaders will announce new community strategies to contain novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The speakers include: Governor Jay Inslee Dow Constantine, King County Executive Bruce Dammeier, Pierce County Executive Dave Sommers, Snohomish County Executive Jenny Durkan, Mayor of Seattle Cassie Franklin, Mayor of Everett Victoria Woodards, Mayor of Tacoma Watch the livestream here (starts at 10:15 a.m.). Please refer to the Public Health – Seattle & King County website at www.kingcounty.gov/covid and the Public Health Insider… Read More
Doing what we can do minimize COVID-19 spread and protect ourselves
Last week, we advised that a person with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was in multiple King County buildings in downtown Seattle. Public Health – Seattle & King County worked to identify where there may have been exposure, and workspaces that might benefit from additional cleaning received additional cleaning, as have workspaces across the county. Importantly, employees should not assume that any public spaces are without risk. It is essential that we protect people’s identities in a public health emergency for a number of reasons. Experts in public health and bioethics… Read More
How to obtain extra necessary medications to have on hand
King County is committed to the welfare of our employees, and as the COVID-19 virus continues to impact our community, we want employees to know that our prescription benefit vendors have taken steps to address the outbreak and protect employee’s access to medication. The following information will help you and your covered family members obtain extra necessary medication to have on hand. If you have long-term maintenance medications, you are encouraged to refill eligible prescriptions for 90-day supplies via mail-order/home delivery or pick up. This can help reduce the number of trips… Read More
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