Washington state to close two mass COVID-19 vaccination sites
Two mass vaccination sites in Washington will soon close, but the clinics located in Spokane and Wenatchee will remain open for now, according to the state Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH said in a press release on Thursday that it is "transitioning the state-led mass vaccination effort from stationary sites to mobile vaccination clinics" in an effort to help the state reach people who have experienced barriers in vaccine access.
King County health directive ‘strongly urges’ people to wear masks indoors
King County’s health officer issued a directive “strongly urging all residents” to continue wearing face coverings in indoor spaces open to the public, even if a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin issued the directive Thursday, and it is effective immediately. The directive says everyone age 5 and older in King County “should continue to wear face coverings indoors, unless a state-approved method is used to assure that all people allowed inside have been fully vaccinated.”
Amazon to drop mask requirement for fully vaccinated employees
Amazon is joining the growing list of companies no longer requiring masks for fully vaccinated employees in U.S. field operations.
The change will go into effect May 24.
To verify workers are fully vaccinated, Amazon is requiring them to enter vaccination information into its employee portal where their profile will be updated with a green checkmark.
Thurston County health officials vaccinate homeless
In a partnership between several agencies, volunteer nurses are heading to homeless encampments to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to anyone who wants it.
Nurses are intentionally giving out the one-dose vaccine because people at the encampment may not be in town when they're due for a second dose.
Kroger lifts mask mandate, except in Washington
Citing federal guidance, Kroger, which is the parent company of QFC and Fred Meyer, has announced that fully vaccinated customers and most employees will no longer need to wear masks beginning Thursday.
In Washington state, however, masks will continue to be required for Fred Meyer workers and customers.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Washington
Everyone in Washington state aged 12 and over is eligible for the vaccine.
Find a list of vaccine providers on the state's Vaccinate WA page and information on how to make an appointment.
Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for people 12 to 17 years old, and the state is working to update its Vaccine Locator with information about which vaccine is offered at each location.
More vaccine sites have begun accepting walk-in patients with no appointment necessary, including Seattle's mass vaccine sites at Lumen Field Event Center, Rainier Beach and West Seattle as well as King County's sites at Outlet Collection Way in Auburn, the ShoWare Center in Kent and at the Shoreline Center.
Other health care providers allow people to join waiting lists for the vaccine, and they will contact you when doses are available. Join the waiting list for:
- Virginia Mason
- UW Medicine: Call (844) 520-8700