May 27, 2020

Kitsap County submitting COVID-19 variance request to state for approval

The state Secretary of Health will make the final decision on variance.

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — The Kitsap Public Health Board and the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved a COVID-19 County Variance request in separate meetings held Wednesday, May 27. 

The Kitsap Public Health District administrator will submit Kitsap County’s variance request to the Washington State Department of Health on Wednesday evening for review. The state Secretary of Health will make the final decision on whether the application is approved, approved with modifications, or denied.

If approved, the variance would allow Kitsap County to immediately move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 under Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan for recovery. Information and guidance for businesses and activities allowed to resume under Phase 2 can be found in the Kitsap County Pathway to Recovery Playbook and on the governor’s Safe Start page.

Kitsap County will remain in Phase 1 until the Secretary of Health’s decision is announced.

“The action taken today by the Kitsap Public Health Board is an important first step in moving our county forward under the Governor’s Safe Start plan,” Kitsap Public Health Board Chair Rob Putaansuu said.

“I know the impact to our businesses has been devastating and I look forward to seeing them reopen and start the recovery process. As we look ahead to Phase 2, it is important to remember that COVID is still present in our community. It’s vital that we continue to practice safe and healthy habits including maintaining physical distancing.”

Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Board of County Commissioners, noted “Our ability to meet Gov. Inslee’s criteria for moving to Phase 2 is due to the commitment of Kitsap residents to practice physical distancing and other precautions to protect their health and the health of others. Our success at reopening the local economy, and fending off a rebound, depends on all of us to continuing to help protect our community.”

The final variance application documents will be posted at kitsappublichealth.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org