General Orders of Division I

IN THE MATTER OF COVID-19 VACCINATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS - Rescinded

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     WHEREAS, on October 31, 2022, Governor Inslee terminated the state of emergency in Washington and rescinded the vaccination requirements issued under executive branch authority; and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requirements for Court of Appeals workers, as agreed to by the three divisions of the Court of Appeals, are hereby rescinded, and Order 2021-1 is terminated effective at 11:59 p.m. on May 19, 2023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. 

Chief Judge Lori K. Smith, Division I
Chief Judge Rebecca Glasgow, Division II
Chief Judge George Fearing, Division III