 News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.
Dear Friends:
Today’s e-news includes information on the reopening of Washington, the end of King County’s mask directive, the return of transit to full capacity, tourism and health updates, and more.
Washington Trivia:
A 2012 Olympian and former world record holder in the 200-meter individual medley attended Auburn Mountainview High School. Who is she?
(Answer is at the bottom)
Washington State Reopens
Yesterday, June 30th, the state of Washington reopened under the Washington Ready plan, which means most businesses and organizations may choose to operate as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic, with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements. However, there are limited exceptions for large indoor events with more than 10,000 simultaneous participants in an enclosed space. To see what to expect in King County as Washington fully reopens, visit www.kingcounty.gov/safereopen.
King County ends mask directive
Public Health – Seattle and King County (PHSKC) ended the current King County Mask Directive that has been in place since May 20, 2021. Now that the local directive has ended, the Washington state mask guidance is in effect in King County. Unvaccinated people will need to continue wearing masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. Read more here.
Protecting unvaccinated children as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted
There are over 300,000 children in King County who are not protected from COVID-19 infection. For parents, caregivers, and families, this Public Health blog addresses ways to continue to keep children under the age of 12 safe.
Transit returns to full capacity
As the state reopens and drops social distancing restrictions for transit, normal passenger capacity resumes this July. Passengers still must wear masks on transit and at indoor transit facilities in compliance with the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandate. Passengers also must continue to maintain a six-foot distance from bus drivers, except when paying fare.
King County Metro Starting July 3rd, normal passenger capacity will resume on Metro buses, on-demand services such as Via to Transit, Seattle Streetcar, water taxis, community vans and shuttles, vanpools, and Access paratransit.
Sound Transit Starting today, July 1st, normal passenger capacity resumes on Sounder, Tacoma Link and all other ST Express routes, and will resume on Link light rail and ST Express bus routes operated by King County Metro (Routes 522, 542, 545, 550 and 554) on July 3rd.
Ovation of the Seas arrives at Pier 91, Seattle’s 1st cruise ship of the season
On Tuesday, June 29th, Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas arrived at Pier 91, becoming the first cruise ship to make its way back to Seattle for the upcoming cruise season. According to the Port of Seattle, cruise lines needed to apply for a Conditional Sailing Certification with the CDC, which includes a plan for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and a plan for how to handle a possible outbreak. Read more in the KING 5 news article here.
Weekly King County Health Update: Summer weather and health precautions
For many, summer in the Pacific Northwest means spending more time in the beautiful outdoors, but people with certain medical conditions should take extra precautions. The sun and heat can lead to increased migraine attacks and aggravate the symptoms of specific conditions such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Outdoor workers, people older than 65, young children, and those taking certain medications may be especially sensitive to the heat and are more at risk for life-threatening problems such as heat stroke and heart attacks. PHSKC and the CDC offer more information on how to stay healthy in the heat.
King County COVID-19 Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 105 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 112,670. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 1,663.
Recent data may be incomplete. For more information, visit the King County COVID Daily Summary Dashboard here.
   Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator.
For King County residents: Register here to schedule your appointment at one of the high-volume vaccination sites in Auburn and Kent.
For in-home vaccination: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977.
To register by phone: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977 or Washington COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #.
For veterans: Call 206-716-5716 or visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine.
For more information, visit Getting vaccinated in King County.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or Text TALK to 741-741\
With best wishes,
Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember
Washington Trivia Answer:
Ariana Kukors Smith is an American swimmer and former world record holder in the 200-meter individual medley (long course). She won a total of seven medals in the World and the Pan Pacific Championships, and placed fifth at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Ariana was born in Federal Way and attended Auburn Mountainview High School. She was also part of the UW’s swimming team for a year. She retired in 2013 and currently travels as the founder and CEO of Team Kukors, conducting inspirational and corporate speaking engagements, emotional intelligence clinics (Dream Clinics), and health and wellness presentations.
 Ariana in the 200-yard IM final during day one of the AT&T Short Course Nationals at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center on December 3, 2009. (TeamUSA.org)
Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office
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