Tests and masks are now available at no cost at many organizations throughout Kitsap County, such as food banks and library branches. If you need assistance obtaining tests or masks for yourself or your organization, please contact immunizations@kitsappublichealth.org or call 360-728-2007.

WHO SHOULD GET TESTED?

Anyone, regardless of vaccination status, should get tested if they:

• are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested as soon as possible and follow CDC guidance for staying home.

If you had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19:

• Get tested at least 5 days after you had contact with the person who tested positive.
• Follow CDC guidance for staying home.

TESTING FOR OTHER REASONS?

• If you are testing for reasons other than being a close contact to a COVID-19 case or having symptoms of COVID-19, contact your insurance provider prior to visiting a testing site. The cost for testing in lieu of complying with a vaccination mandate or testing for travel may not be covered by your insurance company.
• If you are testing as a requirement to return to work, use a rapid antigen test if available. PCR tests can continue to produce positive results after a person is no longer infectious.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I TEST POSITIVE?

• If you test positive using a self-testing kit, report your test result to 1-800-525-0127.
• Follow CDC guidance for isolation.
• Notify close contacts.
• Notify your employer or school.
• If you get a call or text from public health, respond promptly, and follow recommended guidance.

NEED HELP STAYING HOME?

The Care Connect Washington program provides assistance for people who are isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test or quarantining because they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

 

Services offered include:

• Food Box: to fulfill immediate need before fresh food can be delivered
• Fresh Food Delivery: 1 delivery of fresh food per household (will provide for whole household including cats & dogs) (10-day supply)
• Hygiene Kit: gloves, masks, thermometer, pain reliever, hand soap, hand sanitizer
• Financial Support: up to $1,500 per household to help cover rent, mortgage, utilities
• Social Service Referrals: medication delivery, clothing, arranging primary care/mental health services etc.
• Case Management: up to 21 days while in isolation or quarantine

To sign up, call 1-800-525-0127, then press #

 

MEDICATIONS TO TREAT COVID-19

Vaccination and booster shots provide the best protection against COVID-19. Stay up to date on vaccination.

Most people who get COVID-19 are able to safely recover at home by resting, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medicines to feel better. Seek medical help right away if you experience severe COVID-19 symptoms.

For people who are more likely to become very sick from COVID-19, several medications have been authorized to prevent or reduce symptoms. These medications require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

• If you have a weakened immune system or have a health condition that prevents you from being vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider about preventive treatments that can reduce your risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19.
• If you are at high risk for severe illness and test positive for COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss treatments that could reduce COVID-19 symptoms and health impacts. Do not delay! To be effective, treatment must begin the first few days after you test positive or experience symptoms. You can receive treatment regardless of your vaccination status.
• The state Department of Health launched a telehealth program to make it easier for eligible residents to quickly access antiviral medications for COVID-19. Antivirals must be taken within the first five days of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and testing positive. To access the telehealth program, visit this website or call 1-800-525-0127.
• The CVS pharmacy in Poulsbo offers a Test to Treat program. Test to Treat allows patients to be tested for COVID-19 and access appropriate medications if they test positive and are eligible. Contact CVS for details. Use the COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator tool to find Test to Treat programs in other counties.

To learn more about authorized COVID-19 treatments, visit the CDC and HHS websites, or talk to your healthcare provider.

 

HOW TO USE A SELF-TEST KIT

 

For accurate results, carefully read and follow the instructions included in the test kit. Watch the videos below and visit the CDC's self-testing page for more information. 

Video: How to use a self-test kit

Video: How to interpret self-test results