Governor's Proclamation Amending COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement.pdf

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which remains a significant threat despite previous measures, the Governor amends Proclamation 20-05 and subsequent proclamations to implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Key Points:

1. Background: The proclamation acknowledges the initial emergency declarations and subsequent amendments aimed at curbing the virus's spread, including restrictions on activities and law waivers.

2. COVID-19 Variants and Unvaccinated Populations: The rise of highly contagious variants, coupled with a substantial number of unvaccinated individuals, has led to increased cases and hospitalizations among unvaccinated populations and breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals.

3. Vaccination as a Collective Defense: Widespread vaccination is crucial for protecting vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers, residents, and visitors in long-term care facilities, and for safeguarding the state's health system from collapse.

4. Vaccine Availability and Eligibility: COVID-19 vaccines have been accessible in Washington State since December 2020, with all individuals aged 16 and above eligible since April 15, 2021. As of August 4, 2021, nearly 70% of eligible Washingtonians had initiated their vaccine series.

5. Healthcare Worker Vaccination: The Department of Health notes that approximately 67% of nursing home staff in Washington State are fully vaccinated.

6. Legal and Medical Support: A legal opinion from the U.S. Department of Justice allows for vaccination mandates, and numerous medical groups have supported mandatory vaccination for healthcare and long-term care workers.

7. Requirement Implementation: All state employees, on-site independent contractors, volunteers, goods and services providers, and appointees of designated state agencies must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021.

8. Public Disaster Declaration: The Governor reaffirms that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a significant threat to public health, life, and the state's economy, justifying ongoing emergency measures.