FILE – In this August 28, 2021 file photo, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson signs autographs for fans ahead of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Seattle. Fans who attend most professional sporting events in Seattle will soon have to prove that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they have tested negative for the virus. The NFL Seahawks, MLS Sounders, NHL Kraken and the University of Washington all announced updated policies on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, for fans attending games this season.
Stephen Brashear / AP
King County is working to put in place a COVID-19 vaccine verification system that could go into effect next month in certain non-essential and high-risk settings.
Seattle weather reports this would make it easier for places like clubs, theaters and stadiums to check the immunization status of their clients.
King County’s announcement on Tuesday comes as nearly all of the major Seattle-area spectacle sports have said they will need a vaccination (or a recent negative COVID test) to be admitted to their games .
The county said it was collecting feedback from community organizations, unions, businesses and cities.
“COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective, and readily available, and immunization verification in some high-risk non-essential settings can make these places safer for the public, workers and our community, including children who are are not currently eligible. for vaccination, â€said Dr Jeff Duchin, King County Health Officer.
Vaccines are free and health insurance is not compulsory.
Other jurisdictions, including New York, San Francisco, and British Columbia, have started implementing vaccine verification systems.
The NFL Seahawks, MLS Sounders, NHL Kraken, MLB Mariners, University of Washington and Washington State University all announced updated policies on Tuesday requiring fans to attend games. this season prove that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they have tested negative for the virus.
The Seahawks will be the first to implement the demands, starting with their Sept. 19 home opener against Tennessee. Fans will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours of the event to be allowed entry.
“The health and safety of our guests, players and staff is always our top priority and we remain committed to doing what we can to keep our community safe,” Seahawks President Chuck Arnold said in a statement. “These measures will allow us to continue our plans to host a stadium full of fans, while providing a safe and fun experience for our guests.”
Washington will begin an identical verification process for fans with its September 25 home game against California. The Sounders kick off with their Oct. 3 game against Colorado. Washington state said its verification process will begin in October.
The Mariners said fans should plan to provide proof of vaccination for any potential playoff games the team hosts. The Mariners’ regular season home final is October 3. The team also said that all reception, event and Mariners employees at team-run facilities in the United States were informed in late August that they must be fully immunized by October 4 as condition. Of employment.
While other Seattle teams allow a negative test to enter, the Kraken will only allow fans who are vaccinated during games. Requirements will remain in place for other events at Climate Pledge Arena, including concerts.
The team said they will introduce a process to display proof of vaccination via smartphones. The Kraken’s first home game is scheduled for October 23 against Vancouver.
The Kraken said the vaccination requirement will also apply to the team’s three preseason games, which will be played in Spokane, Everett and Kent.
