Up your mask game: Omicron is here
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
There is a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. That means, more people will test positive, including some who are vaccinated. The vaccines are doing their job of preventing severe illness, but more cases are expected.
Because Omicron is so highly contagious, well-fitting and high-quality face masks are more important than ever. It’s one of the most important tools we have right now to limit the spread. Click here for more information about masking up.
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Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
With the current Omicron surge, demand for testing continues to be extremely high. Many people are seeking tests after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or being exposed to someone who has tested positive. Those who have tested positive may also be looking to test before returning to their activities. We’re all doing what we can to try and limit transmission and yet, it can be confusing to know what test to use in each circumstance and to know what to do if you can’t get a test.
Public Health has been working to procure rapid in-home tests through as many avenues as possible. Until there is more supply, click here for some tips on testing in this moment.
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Community members invited to serve on Gathering Collaborative for King County's Racism is a Public Health Crisis initiative
Racism is a Public Health Crisis Gathering Collaborative is a group of community members that will take part in a community designed and led process to equitably spend federal funds to undo the harms of racism compounded by the pandemic, influence the County's next budget cycle, and establish a longer-term vision for King County to become an anti-racist government.
Members of the Gathering Collaborative will strive to make a generational impact, build community-to-community capacity, and institutionalize how King County builds trustworthiness and shares power and resources with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color communities.
For more information, visit the King County website, or contact King County staff at kingcounty.antiracism@gmail.com.
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Help King County innovate new strategies on waste reduction, recycling, and environmental equity
King County’s Solid Waste Division is seeking diverse community members with a passion for environmental justice and waste reduction to serve on a new community panel to help reshape how King County manages trash and recycling.
Community members are invited to apply through Jan. 21. See the full announcement here.
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Anti-Racist White Action Group 2022 Book Club
All county employees are invited to join an exploration of the profound and timely message Heather McGhee skillfully delivers in The Sum of Us. In her book, McGhee identifies the cost of racism to everyone and how we can prosper together.
Discussions will take place the second Tuesday of the month, with the next session will cover through chapter three:
These gatherings are sponsored by King County's Anti-Racist White Action Group (ARWAG), are open to all employees, and are geared to support the learning of White-identifying employees.
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Balanced You webinar: Starting Off the New Year with Hope & Joy!
Join Balanced You and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) experts for an hour of uplifting conversation on how to approach this new year with practices to help you find hope and joy in 2022.
Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Register here.
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Upcoming Mindfulness classes
Balanced You is partnering once again with Mindfulness Northwest to bring King County employees free, virtual mindfulness classes. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus and reduce some of the mental strain we are all going through. Register for an upcoming class below or review the full mindfulness schedule here.
Mindful Leadership - Learn how mindfulness can help you become a more effective and compassionate leader.
Mindful Parenting - We'll bring the lens of mindfulness to bear on what some say is the "world's hardest job", helping you meet the joys and challenges of parenting.
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Make your yard more sustainable
Join King County Wastewater Treatment Division and the Snohomish Conservation District to learn about sustainable yard care best practices.
The online series of six live classes and one pre-recorded class focus on creating a healthy, low-maintenance landscape.
These classes begin this Satruday and will be geared toward those who are new to the concepts of sustainable yard care practices. Join us for one or all of these free classes!
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Register for January and February retirement classes
Check out the following educational opportunities to help you prepare for retirement. These online classes will be held on Zoom or Teams and are provided by your King County Retirement Team.
Road to Retirement - This 90-minute class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement. The next session is Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register here.
Medicare 101 - If you are reaching Medicare age and want to learn about your options as a King County employee, then come hear.guest speaker Jean Cormier discuss Medicare basics. In addition, Jenny Stark from Regence BlueShield and Hannah Bachelder from Kaiser Permanente will discuss their Medicare Advantage plan options. The next session is Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register here.
Registration is required. Use the links above, then select the date you’d like to attend. Before classes start, you’ll receive a meeting invitation at the email address you register with. Please note, attendance at retirement classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related. For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, refer to the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.
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Training Spotlight:
Staying Steady webinar - Managers and supervisors, learn how to increase your own resilience and how to foster resilient teams with the many resources available to you as part of the Leading the Way program. Keeping grounded and centered is a valuable leader skill – as is supporting teams to do the same. Supervisors, managers and people leaders are encouraged to attend Staying Steady, in this new year! The next class is:
Tech Tip: Get quick feedback with Microsoft Teams Polls
You can now poll your group in any chat, channel, or Teams meeting. Meeting attendees can launch ad-hoc polls to get instant feedback, and meeting organizers can create polls in advance – you can even poll attendees before or after your meeting.
Get started in less than 10 minutes with the MS Teams Polls quick guide. If you need help, Executive branch employees can LiveChat with the KCIT Helpdesk. Employees in separately-elected agencies should contact their department IT support.
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Pet of the Week: Ariya
Hi! My name is Ariya! I'm an eight-year-old who is very affectionate with humans. I am a very loving girl and love to sit on your lap when I'm done eating. And while I might get along with small dogs, I genrally don't like other cats at all.
You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that RASKC has moved to adoptions by appointment only. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.
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Featured Job: Project/Program Manager III - Open Space and River Corridor Grant Program
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King County Headlines
Via to Transit on-demand service expands in Renton Highlands
Residents and businesses asked to report storm damage to King County
Pets Ahoy! Water Taxi welcomes cats and dogs onto vessels
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