Employee News - March 4, 2020

King County Employees sent this bulletin at 03/04/2020 11:30 AM PST

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

Highlights

Operational changes as we respond to novel coronavirus

In the spirit of slowing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and keeping a healthy workforce, we are implementing some short-term changes to our operations.

Meetings: All non-essential King County in-person large group employee meetings and gatherings will be canceled through March 2020. Please work with your supervisors and use good judgment about which meetings are essential and limit the number of people present where possible. Conduct essential and non-essential meetings using Skype or teleconference where practical.

Help stop the spread of novel coronavirus

With the announcement of new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the loss of five lives in King County, it is critical that we each do our part to stop the spread of the virus.

Public Health – Seattle & King County has issued the following advice, and will continue to update you as advice changes:

Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.

Announcements

Common questions about coronavirus

King County has confirmed cases of novel coronavirus and more cases have been identified in the U.S. The vast majority of the illnesses around the world are mild, with fever and cough. A much smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions. Public Health has produced an informative two-page factsheet, and you can get answers to many questions about COVID-19 on the Public Health website.

Connect with health care professionals using telehealth tools

Your King County medical plan offers you and your covered family members several ways to obtain medical advice and care from the comfort and safety of your own home. These telehealth services are offered at little or no additional cost to you. Read more.

Increased cleaning service in response to COVID-19

Effective immediately, Facilities Management Division (FMD) has implemented additional cleaning protocols in efforts to sanitize highly touched surfaces such as door handles, elevator controls, and conference rooms. These protocols will be utilized on a reoccurring basis as we respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Thank you for your support of these additional actions. For steps you can take to prevent spread of germs, click here. For facilities questions or concerns, please contact FMD Customer Care Services at 206-477-9400. Customer Care is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For afterhours emergencies, please contact the FMD Emergency Dispatch Center at 206-296-5000.

March 3: Metro implements new cleaning procedures across fleet to limit spread of novel coronavirus

Crossposted from Metro Matters

As directed by King County Executive Dow Constantine, Metro staff are increasing the frequency of cleaning of buses beginning Tuesday evening to limit the spread of novel coronavirus.

Night crews will begin to clean every bus in Metro’s fleet using a bleach solution to wipe down high-touch surfaces such as buttons, handholds, pull cords, rails, and stanchions and disinfect the transit operator’s work area. Maintenance staff are beginning to transition within the next day to a daily procedure that instead will broadly spray a stronger, more comprehensive disinfectant on high-touch locations on buses. Read more.

Anti-stigma resources

Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We’re stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. Take advantage of these resources to prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma.

Employee Engagement Survey delayed until further notice

Due to the ongoing need for messaging about coronavirus (COVID-19), the 2020 King County Employee Engagement Survey will be delayed until further notice. Please know your feedback is important to us. We will reevaluate the best time to conduct the survey as the impact of coronavirus on our workforce and region evolves. For any questions about the survey or your participation contact KCEmployeeSurvey@kingcounty.gov.

Performance Excellence Awards ceremony rescheduled

Due to King County’s continuing response to the COVID-19 public health situation, the Performance Excellence Awards ceremony, originally scheduled for March, will be rescheduled for a later date. The awards program recognizes high-performing teams and employees who have achieved outstanding improvement results for King County and its residents. Rescheduling the awards ceremony will ensure the awards finalists get the full attention and recognition they deserve.

Census 2020 coming soon, March 12

Starting next Thursday, people will receive letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete the 2020 Census, the results of which will be used to inform how funding is distributed for things like schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation, as well as how many representatives states will have in Congress. Read more.

Consider your route

With spring weather and daylight saving time on the horizon, many of us may be outside more.

If you’re out at lunch, on your way to or from work, or just out and about in the evening after work, choose your route with safety in mind. Taking shortcuts can save time, but sometimes that isn’t the safest route. Avoid empty parks and alleys. Stick to well-lit areas.

Learn more by watching our brief video, “Consider Your Route.” Thanks for helping to keep everyone safe!

Addressing issues with application process for state PFML

As employees have begun to file for payments under the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, King County has become aware of issues with the application process. It has been brought to our attention that when employees are completing the fields of the initial benefit account on the Employment Security Department PFML website there are some challenges. Read more.

Pet of the Week: Royal

Hi! My name is Royal and I am available for adoption. I was brought in by an Animal Control Officer on February 2, 2020. I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to "sit." I am an independent dog who likes to do my own thing! I am full of energy and I love to play! I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy.

Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.