News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 2 p.m. on May 7
Health District Update
Many people have asked whether Kitsap County could apply for a variance to Gov. Inslee’s phased Safe Start plan for reopening. In his May 4 proclamation, the governor provided an option for counties with fewer than 75,000 residents and no new COVID-19 cases in three weeks to apply for a variance to the Safe Start plan. Kitsap County does not meet this criteria and does not have the option to apply for a variance at this time. Learn more here.
Risk assessment dashboard updated
Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington Department of Health released an update yesterday to the risk assessment dashboard. This tool helps gauge when and how to best lift restrictions around Stay Home, Stay Healthy in Washington.
The dashboard features five “dials” measuring different data points in the state. The dials will be updated each week on Wednesdays.
“Thanks to Washingtonians, we continue to see positive signs in the data we are tracking,” Inslee said. “We have made some progress in testing capacity, case and contact tracing, and reducing risk to vulnerable populations. While this is encouraging news, we still have a lot of work to do to continue protecting the health of our state.”
Stay healthy reminder from Kitsap Public Health District
As we proceed through Washington’s four-phase recovery plan, it is important to remember that standard health precautions remain necessary in each phase. In addition to social distancing and CDC-recommended use of face coverings, 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.
Visit the Kitsap Public Health District's Coronavirus website for additional tips and printable fact sheets.
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Grieving during a pandemic
Losing someone you love is always difficult. And losing someone while your life is already turned upside down by a pandemic can intensify your grief, creating more complicated, or traumatic, grief. This makes it even more difficult to heal.
During this time of physical distancing, the rituals that help with healing, such as funerals or gatherings with friends and family to mourn together, may not be possible. This blog post, available in English and Spanish from the Washington State Department of Health, can help you recognize when grief becomes more than grieving.
If you or someone you care about are experiencing traumatic grief, help is available. Learn about resources at the state's coronavirus mental and emotional well-being page.
Staying positive: Go on a backyard safari
Parks may now be open but it will take time before they are fully operational and accessible. Some parks may see an influx of traffic and crowds. Staying home continues to be safe and can also be fun! Venture out to "Backyardia" instead for your own private safari. Watch the video.
Your backyard safari could include hiding toy animals and drawing a map with clues to find them or finding new species of wildlife. Watch the video for more ideas. Most of all, have fun and continue to #BlockTheReboundKitsap.
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Useful Links
The Kitsap County website will be down for service on Friday, May 8, between 5-8 p.m.
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