King County working on vaccine verification requirements for some non-essential indoor business activities and other venues; would go into effect in October

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced today that Public Health – Seattle & King County is working to develop a vaccine verification policy for some non-essential indoor business activities and other venues. Several jurisdictions have already adopted some form of vaccine verification policy, including New York City, San Francisco and British Columbia in Canada, and by Clallam and Jefferson counties in Washington State.

Full details will be announced after County engagement with community organizations, labor unions, businesses, and cities to gather feedback. The County is considering non-essential indoor and outdoor spaces where people gather in close proximity for a prolonged period of time. After finalizing the vaccination verification policy, unvaccinated residents would have at least five weeks to complete their vaccination series before the requirements of the proposed policy go into effect, likely in October.

“We’re at a critical point in the pandemic. In a County where more than 4 out of 5 eligible residents have taken advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID, vaccine verification is the best way for businesses and gatherings to remain open, vibrant, and at full capacity,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “My staff and Public Health officials are continuing to gather feedback and listen to community and business groups in a county-wide effort to keep our recovery going, keep people safe, and end this pandemic.”