COVID-19 update from the Kitsap EOC - July 21, 2020

Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 07/21/2020 04:41 PM PDT

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Coronavirus 2

News & Information

COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 2 p.m. July 21

KPHD test results 7-21-20

 

Bad news and glimmers of hope

The Yakima Health Department reported recently that 95 percent of people in Yakima are wearing a face covering in public - and now Yakima County is the only place in the state where each person who gets COVID-19 on average spreads it to less than one other person.

Everywhere else in the state is on the path to runaway transmission rates of COVID-19, according to the most recent statewide situation report.

In Kitsap County, the situation is also serious. As of today, 165 new COVID-19 cases have been reported this month alone. That equals the number of new cases reported for Kitsap in March, April and May combined.

Here’s the concerning news:

  • The number of people getting COVID-19 every day in Washington is higher now than it has ever been.
  • Hospitalization rates are rising throughout the state.
  • The increase in the number of young adults getting COVID-19 is leading to an increase in the number of children and teens who are getting COVID-19 and threatening to spread broadly into younger and older age groups, as we have seen happen in Florida.

And the good news:

Changing our behavior makes a difference. The report describes the hopeful story of Yakima County, which has seen a sharp turnaround in the number of people getting COVID-19 each day now that nearly everyone in Yakima County is wearing cloth face coverings and practicing physical distancing.

You know what to do. Each of us needs to make a conscious shift in the way we live our lives so that we can send our kids back to school in the fall and continue to reopen our businesses.

  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • Keep in-person visits limited to only a few - virtual hang-outs are a great option for larger groups.
  • Stay six feet away from other people.
  • Wear a cloth face covering in public.

Practice compassion. Do your part to make sure we can send our kids back to school and avoid the need for more restrictions.

 

Revised guidance for professional and personal services 

Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee released revised guidance for personal services (hair, cosmetology, tattoos) and professional services (legal, financial, engineering) that opened under the Safe Start Recovery Plan. 

 

Information to help businesses managing face-covering requirements with customers and employees

Yesterday, the Washington State Department of Health updated its information sheet that provides an overview of face-covering requirements. This best practices document is meant to help businesses implement face-covering requirements for customers and visitors.

The document provides clarity on managing customers who aren't able to wear a face mask and more. Every business will have different considerations to take into account about how to ensure the safety of their employees and other customers. Businesses are encouraged to provide alternatives for serving those who can't wear a face covering.

For more information on face coverings and related resources, visit the DOH face mask page and check out the online FAQs.

Face cloth covering

 

Unity in the Community: safe and resilient families

Unity in the Community

The Kitsap Community Foundation and United Way of Kitsap, in partnership with Kitsap Strong, are accepting 'relationship needs' proposals that reduce stress and build resilience for families in our community. Kitsap community non-profits and faith-based organizations, passionate about reducing stress in children by supporting parenting adults especially during this pandemic, are encouraged to share their ideas. The goal is to help families feel safe, connected, and supported to transform a "toxic stress" experience into a tolerable one.

Submit your ideas through the Unity in the Community COVID-19 Response Fund. Visit the Kitsap Cares website to learn more about the focus of the Unity in the Community. The site also includes information on grant opportunities, community, non-profit and business resources, and ways to get involved in helping others.

 

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