General Orders of Division II

2023-3 Rescinding Vaccination Requirements

THE COURT OF APPEALS OF WASHINGTON

            WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, Governor Inslee proclaimed a state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Washington; and on March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a national emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the United States; and on February 24, 2021, President Biden continued the national emergency; and

            WHEREAS, on August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation requiring all workers at designated state agencies to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and

            WHEREAS, the Court of Appeals has authority to take actions that are reasonably necessary for the efficient administration of justice and the fulfillment of its constitutional duties; and

            WHEREAS, on the 1st day of September, 2021, this court issued Order 2021-1, requiring all workers at the Court of Appeals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and

            WHEREAS, on October 31, 2022, Governor Inslee terminated the state of emergency in Washington and rescinded the vaccination requirements issued under executive branch authority; and

            WHEREAS, On April 10, 2023, the President signed a congressional resolution ending the national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

            NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

            The vaccination requirements for Court of Appeals workers, as agreed to by the three divisions of the Court of Appeals, are hereby rescinded, and Order 2021-1 is terminated effective at 11:59 p.m. on May 19, 2023.

            Dated this 19th day of May, 2023.

                                                                 Signed by:

 LORI K. SMITH, CHIEF JUDGE, DIVISION I

REBECCA GLASGOW, CHIEF JUDGE, DIVISION II

GEORGE FEARING, CHIEF JUDGE, DIVISION III