OLYMPIA – Gov. Inslee on Friday issued an updated directive regarding policies that require state employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

He says the updated directive reflects feedback and recommendations from state employees and labor unions to pursue options for offering incentives for COVID-19 boosters instead of making them a requirement.

Meanwhile, the current requirement that new and current employees be fully vaccinated will remain in place.

The Office of Financial Management is currently in the process of bargaining with labor, a process which began when the governor issued the original directive on June 30. Based on the outcome of bargaining, more information will be forthcoming regarding the incentives and how they will be implemented.

The governor encouraged other agencies such as higher education and agencies led by separately elected officials to consider implementing similar measures.