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

Long-term care facility outbreak summary:
LTC outbreaks reported to date: 18
LTC outbreak-associated cases to date: 68
Active LTC outbreaks: 3*

*Outbreaks are listed as “active” if an associated case has been identified in the past 28 days. Outbreaks 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).

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

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.

• You have confirmed or suspected COVID-19  
• You were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19
• You have symptoms of COVID-19: Wa Dept. of Health

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.

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.

• Washington State Department of Health guidance
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance
• Learn about making and donating face coverings

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

For grocery stores

En Español

Para tiendas de
abarrotes en español

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.

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.

• Kitsap County COVID-19 Resources and Information
• Washington State COVID-19 Website
• Washington Department of Health COVID-19 Website
• CDC COVID-19 Website
• World Health Organization COVID-19 Website

• Kitsap Public Health District Advisories and Updates
• Washington State Department of Health Guidance
• Centers for Disease Control Guidance

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidance
• Public Health — Seattle & King County Guidance