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Coronavirus: Seattle area to require proof of vaccination or negative test for restaurants, events

SEATTLE — Officials in King County, Washington, which includes the Seattle metropolitan area, said Thursday they will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter large outdoor public events and all indoor recreation and entertainment businesses and events.

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The requirement applies to outdoor public events of 500 or more people, KIRO-TV reported. The health order, issued by Jeff Duchin of Public Health for Seattle and King County, will also include indoor event venues and businesses such as live music, restaurants, gymnasiums, bars, performing arts, conventions and crowds and professional and college sporting events.

The news release stated that the health order will go into effect on Oct. 25 for outdoor venues and most indoor recreation and entertainment businesses. Restaurants with a seating capacity of 12 or fewer will have to comply beginning Dec. 6.

The mandate does not apply to outdoor dining, take-out customers or grocery stores, KIRO reported.

“The COVID-19 delta variant is spreading fast,” the Seattle and King County news release stated. “As of Oct. 25 in King County, proof of vaccination will be required for everyone ages 12 and older at outdoor events of 500 or more people, indoor recreational events or establishments, restaurants, and bars.”

The mandate in the Pacific Northwest comes a day after Los Angeles County officials hinted at implementing an order as soon as Friday that would require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for customers and employees in the indoor areas of bars, nightclubs and other venues.

>> Coronavirus: LA County to require proof of vaccination inside bars, nightclubs

The order in King County is not expected to be permanent and will be reviewed no more than six months after the Oct. 25 start date, KIRO reported.

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