Washinton to Require COVID-19 Vaccination for Most State Employees, Contractors, and Private Healthcare Workers

OLYMPIA, Wash.--The state of Washington will soon require most state employees, on-site contractors, and workers in private healthcare to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. Governor Jay Inslee made the announcement at a press conference Monday--adding that those required to get vaccinated must do so by October 18^th.

The condition of employment does not yet apply to higher education, local governments, the legislative branch, other statewide elected officials and organizations in the private sector, but Inslee has encouraged them to do the same.

“We have a duty to protect them from the virus, they have the right to be protected, and the communities they serve and live in deserve protection as well.”

Washington State is currently experiencing another increase in COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations in every county. The overwhelming majority of cases and hospitalizations being among unvaccinated individuals.