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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
Tech Tips: Using Skype successfully
KCIT is committed to ensuring all eligible employees can efficiently telecommute. That means using Skype to make calls and conduct your meetings virtually on County-owned devices like laptops and tablets. Many are already using this valuable tool daily, while it may be new to others. Here’s what you need to know to get started: If you use Microsoft Office 365 on your King County device (laptop, tablet, etc.) you are good to go to conduct Skype calls/meetings. You do not need VPN access and no further permissions are needed. If you haven’t used Skype… 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
Increasing King County COVID-19 case numbers for March 10, point to importance of social distancing
Crossposted from Public Health Insider With increasing number of COVID-19 cases, Public Health – Seattle & King County urges King County residents to take very seriously the recommendations to limit social contacts and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Public Health is reporting 74 new cases today, bringing the official case count total in King County to 190. In addition, two new deaths are reported, bringing the total deaths to 22. Story: Access to more testing is showing us that COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly in King County. Ten long-term… Read More
Increased cleaning service in response to COVID-19, March 9
Dear King County colleagues, You might have seen increased cleaning activity from Facilities Management Division (FMD) custodial staff across our worksites as part of our efforts to stop the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). FMD has implemented additional protocols in efforts to regular clean highly touched surfaces such as door handles, elevator controls, and conference rooms. These protocols are being utilized on a reoccurring basis as we respond to COVID-19. We are grateful for the extra efforts of our FMD colleagues in our buildings. For steps you can take to prevent spread… Read More
Pet of the Week: Royal
Hi! My name is Royal and I am available for adoption. I was brought in by an Animal Control Officer on February 2, 2020. I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to “sit.” I am an independent dog who likes to do my own thing! I am full of energy and I love to play! I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy. Read more… Read More
Answering employee questions about COVID-19 response
Dear King County employee, As we continue our efforts to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in King County, we have put together a list of answers to common questions for King County employees about our operations during this outbreak. This is a rapidly evolving event and we will update these Q&As as needed with the most current information. If you have any additional questions, please talk to your supervisor, division director, or Human Resources Manager (SharePoint link). Please also refer to the Public Health – Seattle & King County website… Read More
Employee Engagement Survey delayed until further notice
Due to the ongoing need for messaging about coronavirus (COVID-19), the 2020 King County Employee Engagement Survey will be delayed until further notice. Please know your feedback is important to us. We will reevaluate the best time to conduct the survey as the impact of coronavirus on our workforce and region evolves. For any questions about the survey or your participation contact KCEmployeeSurvey@kingcounty.gov.
Performance Excellence Awards ceremony rescheduled
Due to King County’s continuing response to the COVID-19 public health situation, the Performance Excellence Awards ceremony, originally scheduled for March, will be rescheduled for a later date. The awards program recognizes high-performing teams and employees who have achieved outstanding improvement results for King County and its residents. Rescheduling the awards ceremony will ensure the awards finalists get the full attention and recognition they deserve.
Livestream of coronavirus press conference at 9:30 a.m. today, March 6
You can tune in to this livestream at 9:30 a.m. today for a briefing on the Federal Emergency Funding Package for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response. Speakers include: Governor Jay Inslee Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06) King County Executive Dow Constantine Watch the livestream here (starts at 9:30 a.m.). For more information, resources, and guidance on COVID-19 in King County, please visit: kingcounty.gov/covid. When the livestream is over, a recording of the press conference will still be available for viewing here.
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Common questions about coronavirus
King County has confirmed cases of novel coronavirus and more cases have been identified in the U.S. The vast majority of the illnesses around the world are mild, with fever and cough. A much smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions. Public Health has produced an informative two-page factsheet, and you can get answers to many questions about COVID-19 on the Public Health website.
Anti-stigma resources
Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We’re stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. Take advantage of these resources to prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma.
Updated guidance to slow spread of coronavirus
Public Health officials and King County Executive Dow Constantine today provided updated guidance to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). King County is working to model the way for other employers, and is making the following recommendations to King County employees (Note: this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in separately elected agencies [listed below] will receive guidance from their leaders): Telecommute: Employees whose work can be performed through telecommuting should do so, with the approval of their supervisors. Please find telecommute resources here and submit a signed telecommute agreement… Read More
Watch coronavirus press conference at 1 p.m today, March 4
Dear employee, You can tune in to this livestream at 1 p.m. today, where state and local officials will provide updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Speakers include: King County Executive Dow Constantine Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County Patty Hayes, Director, Public Health – Seattle & King County Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer, Washington State Department of Health Dr. Tom Clark, Deputy Director of CDC Division of Viral Diseases. Watch the livestream here (starts at 1 p.m.). For more information, resources, and guidance… Read More
March 3: Metro implements new cleaning procedures across fleet to limit spread of novel coronavirus
Crossposted from Metro Matters As directed by King County Executive Dow Constantine, Metro staff are increasing the frequency of cleaning of buses beginning Tuesday evening to limit the spread of novel coronavirus. Night crews will begin to clean every bus in Metro’s fleet using a bleach solution to wipe down high-touch surfaces such as buttons, handholds, pull cords, rails, and stanchions and disinfect the transit operator’s work area. Maintenance staff are beginning to transition within the next day to a daily procedure that instead will broadly spray a stronger, more comprehensive disinfectant on… Read More
Operational changes as we respond to novel coronavirus
In the spirit of slowing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and keeping a healthy workforce, we are implementing some short-term changes to our operations. Meetings: All non-essential King County in-person large group employee meetings and gatherings will be canceled through March 2020. Please work with your supervisors and use good judgment about which meetings are essential and limit the number of people present where possible. Conduct essential and non-essential meetings using Skype or teleconference where practical. Telecommute: Employees whose work can be performed through telecommuting are encouraged to do so with… Read More
Addressing issues with application process for state PFML
As employees have begun to file for payments under the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, King County has become aware of issues with the application process. It has been brought to our attention that when employees are completing the fields of the initial benefit account on the Employment Security Department PFML website there are some challenges. Based on the personal information employees enter as part of the application process, the Employment Information auto-populates. King County’s current Name includes “DNRP/WTD” and related address. Please accept this information as your employer. King County… Read More
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