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Coronavirus
Important information for King County employees
COVID-19 public health emergency officially ended May 11
The COVID-19 National Emergency and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially ended May 11, 2023. Many of the benefit coverages that increased temporarily during the health emergency have returned to normal, and regular deductibles, copays, and coinsurance now apply. For example:
- Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are no longer covered.
- COVID-19 PCR lab tests are covered when ordered by an in-network provider.
- COVID-19 treatments and prescription drugs are subject to your medical plan’s normal cost-sharing amounts (i.e., copays or coinsurance).
For additional information, see How the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency impacts your employee medical and pharmacy benefits or contact the Benefits Team at 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits.
Effective February 6, 2023, King County no longer requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of Executive Branch employment. Employees providing health care services who are covered by federal mandate (e.g., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) or employees working in non-county facilities where outside employers require vaccination (e.g., Harborview Medical Center) will still be required to be vaccinated. These employees will be notified by their supervisor about their ongoing vaccination requirements For more information on getting vaccinated, visit www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine.
Masks for employees
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Employees in health care settings, including those in Jail Health, are required to always wear a mask while in patient-facing settings.
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Some executive branch employees may work in county facilities that have more restrictive mask requirements, for example in courtrooms or in areas where court business is conducted with the public. Executive branch employees must abide by those more restrictive requirements when working in those areas.