COVID-19 Activity Updates

Updated March 9, 2022

Throughout the pandemic, Seattle Audubon has said that Seattle & King County Public Health would be our best guide for decision-making to keep our staff, volunteers, and community safe. We are now entering a new phase of the pandemic where the responsibility for managing COVID-19 safety has been transferred back to individuals and independent organizations. Seattle Audubon will continue to respond in accordance with our values.

While local public health officials have said that it is safe for most people to remove their masks indoors after March 11, many valued members of our community remain vulnerable to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic. Those include people who are, or live with individuals who are, immunocompromised or too young to be vaccinated. It is important to us that everyone at Seattle Audubon feels welcome and safe when engaging with us. For these reasons, our indoor mask requirements will remain in effect until further notice. We will continue to poll our community monthly to reassess our collective comfort with different safety procedures in light of the ever-changing circumstances of the pandemic. For now, our current protocols and plans are outlined below.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The following CHANGES will take effect immediately:

Outdoor Gatherings, with the exception of field trips (e.g., community science projects, board and committee events, special events)

Masks are no longer required outside, regardless of a participant’s vaccination status. However, anyone may choose to continue masking and we encourage everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated and boosted.

The following CHANGES will take effect May 1:

Field Trips

Beginning in May, Seattle Audubon will offer both masked and mask-optional trips from which individuals can choose based on risk tolerance and comfort. Until then, masks remain optional for fully vaccinated individuals. However, to align with public health guidelines for transit, masks will still be required for carpooling on all trips until further notice.

The following protocols will REMAIN THE SAME:

Nature Shop and Indoor Gatherings

All customers, volunteers, and staff will be required to continue masking indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Masks may be removed by vaccinated persons, only if they are alone at their workspace.

We encourage everyone to keep informed of developments, as this situation is constantly evolving. Seattle Audubon will continue to follow and adhere to recommendations issued by Public Health — Seattle & King County. Any changes to our programs and activities will be posted on our website, www.seattleaudubon.org. General inquires made to the Seattle Audubon Nature Shop phone line at (206) 523-4483 or info@seattleaudubon.org will be checked periodically. Please allow for a delay in response.