Coronavirus

Kitsap County Public Health COVID Response

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State places Kitsap County's Phase 3 application on pause until July 9

Statewide face covering requirement takes effect June 26

Read the order and find guidance | FAQ | Report a concern

Explore state and county data from the Washington State Department of Health.

Learn more about the COVID-19 testing process in Washington.

Learn more about how Kitsap Public Health investigates and reports COVID-19 cases.

Safe Start Plan

JULY 1 UPDATE:

Kitsap County applied on June 19 to move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 of the state’s Safe Start plan for COVID-19 recovery. The state has placed Kitsap’s application on pause until July 9, as public health officials evaluate changing circumstances.

Kitsap County remains in Phase 2

Read more about the pause and how Kitsap residents can help position the county to move forward.

SAFE START BUSINESS GUIDANCE

To operate under Phase 3, businesses will need to develop a written safety plan and follow all available guidance.

Safe Start Phase 3 Plan Template for Businesses

Businesses authorized under Phase 2 are only allowed to reopen if they can implement the state guidance available for their industry.

Kitsap County Pathway to Recovery Playbook

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.

What To Do If...

Covid-19 Testing

People who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19, even if their symptoms are mild. Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms on the CDC’s website.

Many Kitsap County health care organizations offer COVID-19 tests, with guidance from the state Department of Health.

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.

View a list of COVID-19 test providers in Kitsap County

Visit the state Department of Health’s website for more information about COVID-19 testing, including costs.

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.

Learn more about COVID-19 tests.

Staying Healthy During 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.

When to Wear Face Coverings

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 Basics

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:

Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

Visit the CDC’s website to learn more about symptoms and when to seek medical attention.

Printable COVID-19
Fact Sheet

Hoja informative de
COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19 on the CDC's website.

Printable Fact Sheets and Signs

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

For grocery stores

En Español

Para tiendas de
abarrotes en español

Social Distancing - maintain at least 6 feet.

For restaurants

Para restaurante
en español

For housing communities

Para comunidades de
viviendas en español

For childcare centers

Para guarderías en español

The Washington State Department of Health has more COVID-19 fact sheets available in multiple languages.

What Kitsap Public Health Is Doing

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.