Metro is redeploying security personnel for safety and social distancing support
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro is redeploying transit security staff to help promote an atmosphere of safety and equity for all. Officers will help ensure King County Metro’s code of conduct is upheld and encourage riders to heed Public Health – Seattle & King County’s guidance for riding transit safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Monday, April 20, transit security staff will be monitoring coaches and terminals that are experiencing crowding, defined as when it is difficult to maintain six feet of distance among riders and Metro staff. We are… Read More
Telecommuting guidance extended through May 31
Dear employee, Yesterday, Governor Inslee reiterated that the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 will stay in place at least until May 4, and possibly longer. These restrictions are absolutely necessary if we are to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our state and our region, and our employees – especially our first responders and mission-critical employees – have been doing everything they can to continue serving our region under extremely challenging circumstances. Regardless of when the order is lifted, our operations will not return… Read More
Join us for a question and answer session about COVID-19, April 23 – ¡en español!
In a virtual seminar, this Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 7 p.m., we will talk about the impacts of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) on the Latinx community. We will respond to your questions, and more If you have a specific question, we would love to hear it. You can write your questions into the comments on the Facebook event or announcement. Follow us on the Condado de King Facebook page to receive a reminder the day of the virtual seminar. This event will feature Matias Valenzuela, Director of Equity for Public Health – Seattle & King County, and… Read More
King County goes digital for Earth Day, April 22
As we respond to the call to stay home and stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, many King County employees and residents have a renewed appreciation for – and look forward to once again fully experiencing – the healing qualities of King County’s natural spaces. The global response to the pandemic also offers a blueprint for environmental resiliency which relies on the power of collective action, and basing decisions on the latest science. In commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, this lesson of resiliency and ingenuity resonates, and is why the Department… Read More
Hope and inspiration for 50th Earth Day
For this year’s Earth Day, the 50th year of the annual celebration of our planet, King County Executive Dow Constantine shared a video message of hope and inspiration. “I find more hope, more inspiration, this year than any Earth Day before,” Executive Constantine said in the video. “The global response to the COVID-19 crisis really does offer us a kind of blueprint for saving our planet.” Thank you to the dedicated employees working hard every day – oftentimes behind the scenes – to sustain our environment and promote the health and safety of our… Read More
Celebrating Administrative Professionals Recognition Day, April 22
Wednesday, April 22, is Administrative Professionals Recognition Day, an opportunity to say “thank you” to the Administrative Professionals that keep our teams, divisions, and departments running smoothly. While we have had to cancel this year’s annual Administrative Professionals Recognition Day Celebration Event in line with Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order and our ongoing efforts to practice social distancing and stop the spread of COVID-19, we can still use this opportunity to express our gratitude to our Administrative Professionals. This extraordinary group of people is greatly appreciated by all employees across… Read More
How Public Health officials decide when to order closures
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health — Seattle & King County recently interviewed with ProPublica and The Seattle Times to discuss his and the department’s thinking related to the timing of Public Health recommendations to avoid and subsequently prohibit large public gatherings, and in particular in not prohibiting the Sounders match on March 7th. The following is an overview of information Dr. Duchin shared in his conversation and through e-mail. Early response and initial outbreak Starting in late January, when the first United States COVID-19 case was recognized in Snohomish County,… Read More
Learning about your benefits: Out-of-pocket expenses
A short series of benefits videos has been created to help employees make informed choices about their options, and better understand their employee benefits package. The second video, below, is about the out-of-pocket expenses associated with your medical, dental, and vision plans. View all the videos here, and get more information and resources on the Benefits, Payroll and Retirement website.
Employee deployment program and how you can help
The Emergency Deployment Program was developed to support the critical staffing needs that are part of this emergency response. These roles do not have contact with patients but do provide the vital backbone of support needed to run our facilities, which house individuals, families, and small children during this difficult time. We also have staff who have worked tirelessly organizing emergency operations and are in need of relief. You can play a huge role in supporting the County’s ongoing response to this emergency. Please consider applying for the Emergency Deployment Program. Work assignments include: Emergency Site Worker III – Administrative staffing for quarantine… Read More
Tech Tip: Virtual meeting tips
When you work remotely, you have options for video conferencing. Here is what you need to know to get started: Skype for Business Skype for Business is King County’s standard solution for video conferencing and should meet your needs in most cases, especially for meetings of less than 250 attendees. We have a site which can answer many of your Skype questions: Skype for Business (SharePoint) Skype works well when communicating both internally and externally—just send an invitation. It’s a comprehensive voice, meeting, presentation and collaboration platform all in one. It’s our county… Read More
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