News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 2 p.m. Aug. 21
* DATA UPDATE: Due to technical issues, the state Department of Health has been unable to provide consistent updates on negative COVID-19 test results. This issue is affecting our ability to update total negative tests and the percentage of total tests that are positive for Kitsap County. It does not affect our ability to report positive cases.
State and local public health respond to outbreak in Kitsap County hospital
The Kitsap Public Health District and Washington State Department of Health are working with St. Michael Medical Center in Bremerton to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 at the hospital.
As of Friday afternoon, more than 30 cases of COVID-19 had been reported among hospital employees and patients. The first case linked to the outbreak was reported late last week. The outbreak has affected multiple units at the hospital. Patients who were discharged from the impacted units have been notified.
Public health authorities are recommending several mitigation measures, including ongoing COVID-19 testing for staff and patients, robust screening for staff, and limiting non-essential access to the facility. The hospital will post updates on its website. Read the DOH news release for more details.
Kitsap Pathway to Recovery Playbook update
The Kitsap Pathway to Recovery Playbook was updated today to include additional guidance announced by the governor's office this week. The latest version dated August 21 includes:
- Museums: These guidelines allow museums in Phase 2 counties to operate as long as they meet certain requirements. Museums in Phase 3 counties are required to lower occupancy.
- Bowling: These guidelines allow for bowling league play in Phases 2 and 3, as long as facilities meet certain requirements.
- Agritourism: This guidance allows for agritourism such as U-pick farms and tree farms to operate in Phase 2 counties.
- Outdoor recreation: Updates to the outdoor recreation guidance clarify restrictions to non-spectator motor-sports in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Safe Start plan. These changes go into effect on August 24.
In addition to the Safe Start updates, Gov. Jay Inslee issued an update to Proclamation 20-57, “Concerning the Health of Agricultural Workers.” The proclamation now requires agricultural employers to test their workforce broadly when health officials identify an outbreak that passes certain thresholds. More details are available in the governor’s press release.
Apply for food benefits before August 31
Families in Washington state have food benefits available to them to help buy groceries while children are home from school due to COVID-19. Called Pandemic EBT, or P-EBT, these food benefits are available to families with children who are eligible for schools’ free or reduced-price meal programs. New data from the state shows 250,000 eligible Washington children have not yet received this benefit. Families should apply before Aug. 31, 2020.
Most families who already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as SNAP or Basic Food in Washington state, and whose children already receive free or reduced-price meals do not need to apply. Other families, including those whose children attend a school where meals are free for all students, will need to apply.
View a step-by-step Pandemic EBT Application Guide to learn how the online application works
Families who need to apply or who have other questions can call the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday (except observed holidays).
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