Kitsap County sent this bulletin at 03/04/2020 11:57 AM PST
3/4/2020
Kitsap County residents tested for COVID-19
Results are pending for six residents as of Wednesday morning.
KITSAP COUNTY, WA – Six Kitsap County residents are being tested for COVID-19 through the state public health laboratory in Shoreline as of Wednesday morning.
Testing for the individuals was requested by health care providers and coordinated by Kitsap Public Health District and the Washington State Department of Health. Test results are expected in 48 to 72 hours. Kitsap Public Health will update its website at 11 a.m. each day with the number of pending tests and any confirmed cases in the county.
“We know the spread of COVID-19 in our region is concerning for community members, especially those who are at higher risk for serious illness,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Susan Turner said. “We are asking the public to stay calm, stay informed and take steps to protect their health and the health of those around them. It's important to know that most people who have COVID-19 experience mild illness."
COVID-19 TESTING IS LIMITED
In Washington state, COVID-19 testing is only being done at the state public health lab in Shoreline and at the University of Washington. Because testing capacity is limited, not everyone who has COVID-19 symptoms will be tested.
Criteria for testing is guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and determined by the state Department of Health. Testing guidelines and capacity are changing rapidly. See the Department of Health website for more information.
When a local health care provider requests COVID-19 testing for a patient, Kitsap Public Health works with the Department of Health to determine if the case meets the criteria for testing. The Department of Health gives final approval for testing.
Kitsap Public Health is not involved in facilitating testing at the University of Washington.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL SICK?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Most people who have COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, similar to a cold or flu. Some people are at higher risk for serious illness, including older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
People who are sick should stay home and rest. People who become seriously ill or are at high risk for complications should stay home and call their health care provider for guidance.
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Everyone should take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid touching your face
Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home when you or a family member is sick
Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces
Public health officials do not recommend healthy people wear masks to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. People who are sick should wear masks over their mouth and nose while seeking medical care. It is important that supplies of masks and other personal protective equipment remain available for health care providers who are evaluating and treating ill people.
