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- 9/18/20 UPDATE: Kitsap Public Health is urging Kitsap residents to call their doctor or a clinic and get tested as soon as possible if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms. It has taken an average of 3.4 days for positive cases in Kitsap County to get tested for COVID-19 after they first begin experiencing symptoms. This delay increases the potential for people to spread the virus to others. Read more.
- 9/16/20 UPDATE: Kitsap Public Health added a section to its website to provide information about COVID-19 outbreaks in the community on an ongoing basis. The location of outbreaks at long-term care facilities will be listed if 10 or more cases are reported. The initial posting includes information about an outbreak at Life Care Center in Port Orchard. The outbreak section of the website is under development and will continue to be revised and expanded.
- Kitsap Public Health District, with support from the state Department of Health, is working with St. Michael Medical Center in Bremerton to control an outbreak of COVID-19 identified at the hospital in August. Learn more on our ST. MICHAEL OUTBREAK RESPONSE PAGE.
This page will be updated weekly with information about COVID-19 outbreaks in Kitsap County. Outbreaks that meet the case threshold for a facility to be identified by name will be reported as soon as information becomes available. This page is under development and will continue to be revised and expanded.
OUTBREAKS IN LONG-TERM CARE & RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES
Definition: Per guidance from the state Department of Health, an outbreak at a long-term care or residential living facility is defined as one resident or health care worker with confirmed COVID-19. See the guidance document for additional criteria.
Identifying facilities: To protect the private health information of residents and employees, facilities will be identified by name if 10 or more cases associated with an outbreak are reported (see Department of Health guidance for small numbers reporting). People who are concerned about COVID-19 activity at a specific facility are encouraged to contact the facility directly.
Long-term care facility outbreaks with 10 or more cases
| Facility | Location | COVID-19 Cases | Outbreak status* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Care Center | South Kitsap | 16 | Active |
Long-term care facility outbreak summary:
LTC outbreaks reported to date: 16
LTC outbreak-associated cases to date: 48
Active LTC outbreaks: 4*
*An outbreak will be listed as “closed” when no new cases have been reported in 28 days
More long-term care resources:
- State Department of Health guidance for long-term care facilities
- State Department of Social and Health Services long-term care COVID-19 page
OUTBREAKS IN NON-LONG-TERM CARE SETTINGS
- For information specific to the St. Michael Medical Center outbreak, see our St. Michael outbreak updates page.
- For general information about COVID-19 outbreaks in Kitsap, see our COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard (tab 1.5).
SCHOOLS UPDATE: Kitsap Public Health Letter Regarding 2020-21 School Year
JULY 29 UPDATE: On July 28, Gov. Jay Inslee extended a pause on counties advancing through the state’s Safe Start plan for COVID-19 recovery. Kitsap County remains in Phase 2. Check coronavirus.wa.gov and governor.wa.gov for updates.
View a "Kitsap County Safe Start Report Card"
SAFE START BUSINESS GUIDANCE
To operate under Phase 3, businesses will need to develop a written safety plan and follow all available guidance.
Businesses authorized under Phase 2 are only allowed to reopen if they can implement the state guidance available for their industry.
Still have questions? Submit a question through the state COVID-19 Business and Worker Inquiries form or send an email to:
KPHD-LOFR@kitsappublichealth.org.
PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
While Kitsap has qualified to move forward under the Safe Start plan, it is important to know that COVID-19 is still present in our community. Regardless of what phase is in effect, Kitsap residents are urged to:
- Maintain six feet of distance from others in public whenever possible.
- Wear a cloth face covering in places where physical distancing can’t be maintained. Be compassionate to people who cannot wear face coverings.
- Stay home when sick.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
Read more prevention guidance.
WHO SHOULD GET TESTED?
The Washington State Department of Health recommends testing for:
- Anyone who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, even if their illness is mild. Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms on the CDC’s website.
- Anyone who has been in close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19.
Testing is not recommended for people who do not have symptoms, unless they have been in close contact with a confirmed case.
STEPS TO GET TESTED
- Call your regular health care provider to talk about your symptoms and getting tested.
- If you do not have a health care provider, you can become established with a provider or contact an urgent care clinic near you.
- If you do not have health insurance, visit our Health Insurance page for information about enrollment assistance.
Visit the state Department of Health’s website for more information about COVID-19 testing, including costs.
WHERE CAN I GET TESTED IN KITSAP?
Many Kitsap County health care organizations offer COVID-19 tests, with guidance from the state Department of Health.
WHY SHOULD I GET TESTED?
Testing is an important tool in our response to the coronavirus pandemic. When someone is diagnosed with COVID-19, we help them take steps to avoid spreading the virus to others and notify people they have been in close contact with. Testing also provides data needed assess the level of illness in our community as we make progress toward recovery.
WHAT TYPE OF TEST SHOULD I GET?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19, you should get a viral (PCR) test. Only a PCR test can confirm that you have COVID-19.
WHAT ABOUT ANTIBODY (SEROLOGY) TESTING?
Antibody tests (or serology tests) analyze a blood sample to determine if a person was exposed to a virus in the past. An antibody test cannot confirm if a person currently has COVID-19.
More research is needed to understand if having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 will protect someone from getting COVID-19 in the future, or how long that protection might last. A positive antibody test does not mean a person is immune to COVID-19.
We need to keep our community healthy and resilient as we work together to overcome the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While many of us have had our regular routines disrupted, it is still important to stay on top of preventive care and treatment of chronic conditions. Skipping a wellness checkup or postponing an immunization could put your health or your family’s health at risk. Health care providers are working hard to ensure clinics and hospitals are safe for everyone to visit.
If you have lost income or health insurance during the pandemic, go to wahealthplanfinder.org to learn about health coverage options.
DON’T DELAY SEEKING EMERGENCY CARE
It is critical to immediately seek medical care if you or someone in your household is experiencing a health emergency. Our local hospitals have not been overwhelmed during the COVID-19 pandemic and people should not avoid seeking emergency care.
Not sure when to go to call 911 or go to a hospital? The Washington State Department of Health has helpful tips.
CALL 911 AT THE FIRST SIGN OF A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE
If you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, or witness the signs in another person, call 9–1–1. Learn more about the signs and symptoms from the American Heart Association.
Effective June 26, a statewide order will require people to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces such as stores, offices and restaurants. The order will also require face coverings in outdoor settings where people cannot stay 6 feet apart.
There are exemptions, including for people with certain disabilities or health conditions, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and children under the age of 5 (though it's encouraged to have children ages 3-5 wear a covering if possible). Read more about the face covering requirement.
Here are some important points to know about face coverings:
- Face coverings are not a substitute for other protective measures. It is critical to stay home as much as possible, wash hands often, disinfect frequently used objects, and stay at least six feet from people outside your household.
- Avoid crowded areas whenever possible. Find a different place to go or come back another time unless your visit is absolutely essential. You are at risk of getting COVID-19 even if you are wearing a face covering..
- Use cloth face coverings. Do not use medical masks or respirators. You can make face coverings at home or purchase them.
- Some people cannot wear face coverings. Be kind to people around you who are not wearing face coverings. Focus on making good decisions for yourself and your family.
- Face coverings should not be placed on children younger than 2. Older children should be supervised while wearing face coverings.
- Face coverings help protect people around you. Studies indicate face coverings are most effective for preventing the wearer from spreading respiratory droplets when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Face coverings are less effective for protecting the wearer from droplets spread by other people.
MORE GUIDANCE:
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a new type of coronavirus. Most people who have COVID-19 experience mild illness similar to a cold or flu.
Some people are at higher risk for severe illness, including:
- People with certain health conditions
- Older adults
Visit the CDC’s website for information about risk groups and special guidance.
People with COVID-19 have experienced a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Protect Your Health
(English/Español)
What is
Contact Tracing?
Have Fun, Stay Healthy
Printable COVID-19 Fact Sheet
Hoja informative de COVID-19
COVID-19 signs for businesses / signos para empresas
These posters educate customers and staff on steps being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In English
En Español
abarrotes en español
en español
viviendas en español
The Washington State Department of Health has more COVID-19 fact sheets available in multiple languages.
The Kitsap Public Health District is working closely with the Washington State Department of Health and the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Our activities include:
- Investigating COVID-19 cases in Kitsap and notifying people identified as having been in close contact with confirmed cases.
- Providing guidance to Kitsap health care providers.
- Sharing information with local agencies, organizations, businesses and community groups.
- Providing daily updates to the public and news media.
- Encouraging Kitsap residents to take steps to protect their health and the health of their community.
- Providing education about social distancing measures.
Report Card
Risk Assessment Dashboard
- Updated Weekly -
Weekly Report
Kitsap COVID-19Community Survey
Kitsap Lab-Confirmed COVID-19 Case Characteristics
WE NEED YOUR HELP
NOSOTROS NECESITAMOS TU AYUDA
PROTECT YOUR HEALTHPROTÉGE SU SALUD
FEEL SICK? GET TESTED¿SE SIENTE ENFERMO? UNA PRUEBA
What is contact tracing?
Have Fun, Stay Safe
Wearing Face
Coverings