Throughout the pandemic, the Seattle Housing Authority has closely monitored public health guidance and state requirements in setting protocols to keep SHA residents and staff safe. That guidance now indicates that the vaccination rate has reached a level where some of the rules for face coverings and social distancing can be lifted. Here is the new guidance. And remember, it’s important to remain respectful. Fully vaccinated residents and staff may still choose to wear a mask and follow other safety measures and some people may have a valid medical or personal reason to not get vaccinated. We need to avoid assumptions, judgments and stigmas based on the use of face coverings.
SHA residents
- Residents who are fully vaccinated may now choose not to wear a face covering in indoor common areas.
- Residents who have not completed a full vaccination cycle must continue to wear a face covering indoors and when outdoors should wear a face covering if they are not able to maintain six feet of distance from others.
- All residents are encouraged to wear a face covering whenever they are around children and youth, indoors or outdoors.
SHA staff
- Staff who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof to the SHA Human Resources Department of their vaccinated status and then do not have to wear a face covering or maintain 6 feet of distance from others when indoors. Proof to the employer is required by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries if employees are to go without a face covering in the workplace.
- All staff, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a face covering when entering a residents’ unit, or when children and youth are present either indoors or outdoors.
- Staff who are not fully vaccinated or have not voluntarily provided proof of vaccination to the SHA Human Resources Department are required to wear a face covering in any indoor spaces and maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
- Staff who are not vaccinated or choose not to provide proof of being fully vaccinated to SHA are required to wear a face covering in outdoor spaces when they are unable to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.