 Kitsap Public Health statement regarding Safe Start variance eligibility
Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced criteria for some larger counties to apply for a variance to move to Phase 2 under the state’s Safe Start recovery plan. Kitsap County is included in the group of counties now eligible to apply. Kitsap Public Health District’s leadership team is carefully reviewing the criteria and our health officer will make a recommendation to the Kitsap Public Health Board.
However, Kitsap Public Health also received confirmation today that an employee at a Kitsap long term care community has tested positive for COVID-19. The Health District is investigating the case and assisting the facility in its response.
Because additional cases at a long term care facility could significantly impact our overall COVID-19 response, our health officer will not make a recommendation regarding the Safe Start variance until we are confident there is not community spread related to this case. This will delay a recommendation on the variance application until at least May 28.
Kitsap Public Health will continue to compile the information needed for a recommendation to the health board during this time.
"We are all eager to take steps toward resuming regular business and social activities in our county, but we have to make sure we can take those steps safely and sustainably," Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Susan Turner said. "We appreciate the understanding of Kitsap residents as we move forward with care."
The Health District will share updates with the public as they become available.
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MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org
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