NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES AND UPDATES
Updated March 17, 2020
Kitsap Public Health District - Special Meeting March 17, 2020 (COVID-19 update and discussion) (Agenda, Video recording of meeting)
WHAT TO DO IF:
- You have confirmed or suspected COVID-19
- You were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19
- You have symptoms of COVID-19
OTHER RESOURCES:
- Printable COVID-19 fact sheet
- Hoja informativa de COVID-19
- COVID-19 overview and updates from the CDC
- COVID-19 updates from the Washington State Department of Health
- COVID-19 information from the World Health Organization
- COVID-19 information hotline: 1-800-525-0127
KITSAP COUNTY UPDATES
COVID-19 Testing and Results for Kitsap County
Updated at 2:00 p.m. on 3/17/2020
Results will be updated at 2 p.m. daily, but may be updated more frequently as needed.
Positive Tests: 7
- 3/16/2020: A Bainbridge Island resident in their 40s
- 3/16/2020: A South Kitsap resident in their 50s
- 3/15/2020: A Bremerton area resident in their 50s
- 3/15/2020: A Central Kitsap resident in their 40s
- 3/13/2020: A South Kitsap resident in their 40s
- 3/10/2020: A Bainbridge Island resident in their 70s
- 3/08/2020: A Bainbridge Island resident in their 60s
Negative Tests: 143
Starting March 11, Kitsap Public Health will only list the total number of positive results and the total number of negative results for Kitsap County reported to the state. We will no longer be reporting total tests submitted. Read an explanation.
Public health officials are responding to an international outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that started in China in December 2019.
Public health experts expect the novel coronavirus outbreak will continue to grow globally. More cases are anticipated in the United States and in Washington. Kitsap Public Health is asking all residents to take steps to protect their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
What can I do now to protect myself and my family?
Everyone should practice healthy habits to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
- Wash hands often.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with others.
People who are at higher risk for serious illness, including people with underlying health conditions, older adults, and pregnant women, should avoid crowds as much as possible to reduce close contact with people who are sick. Find more information here.
What should I do if I’m sick?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Most people who have COVID-19 experience mild illness similar to a cold or flu. Some people are at higher risk of serious illness, people with underlying health conditions, older adults and pregnant women.
If you are sick, you should stay home and rest. If you feel you need medical evaluation, or you are at higher risk of complications, stay home and call your health care provider for guidance.
See the Department of Health's guidelines for people who have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 tests must be ordered by health care providers. Kitsap Public Health District does not order tests for patients or provide testing directly.
See the Department of Health website for more information about COVID-19 testing in Washington.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIES TO SLOW SPREAD OF COVID-19
Strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 are being implemented at the federal, state and local level. These strategies include school closures, limits on large gatherings, prohibiting dine-in services at restaurants, and other social distancing measures.
Read a summary of the statewide requirements (ammended 3/17/2020) enacted to date.
Requirements and guidance are changing rapidly. See the following websites for updates and resources:
- Governor Jay Inslee COVID-19 Page
- Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
- CDC: Protect your family
Find additional guidance for families, employers and community organizations on the Department of Health's website.
What should I know if I am returning from international travel or have a trip planned?
Guidance for travelers is changing frequently. Check the CDC’s travel page for important updates.
Should I buy a mask?
The CDC and Washington State Department of Health do not recommend healthy people wear masks to prevent respiratory illnesses including COVID-19.
What is Kitsap Public Health doing?
The Kitsap Public Health District is working closely with the state Department of Health to respond to this rapidly changing situation and help our community prepare. Our activities include:
- Investigating COVID-19 cases in the community
- Providing guidance to local health care providers.
- Coordinating with partner agencies on planning and response.
- Providing updates and guidance to the general public and community organizations.
- Helping returning travelers who are self-monitoring at home.
- Working with the Department of Health to coordinate COVID-19 testing