COVID-19 update from the Kitsap EOC - September 16, 2020

Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 09/16/2020 04:48 PM PDT

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Coronavirus 2

News & Information

COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 2 p.m. Sept. 16

 

COVID-19 daily cases

 

New website feature tracks COVID-19 outbreaks

The Kitsap Public Health District added a section to its website to provide information about COVID-19 outbreaks in the community on an ongoing basis. Long-term care facilities will be identified by name if 10 or more cases associated with an outbreak are reported. The initial posting included an outbreak at Life Care Center in Port Orchard. The outbreak section of the website is under development and will continue to be revised and expanded.

Kitsap Public Health will also continue to post updates regarding the outbreak at St. Michael Medical Center, as new information becomes available. No additional cases associated with the St. Michael outbreak have been identified since September 4. The most recent update was posted on September 11.

 

Wildfire smoke exposure symptoms or COVID-19?

Respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing are common to both wildfire smoke exposure and COVID-19. Here are some tips from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to tell the difference.

  • Symptoms unrelated to smoke exposure include fever, chills, body aches and diarrhea.
  • The CDC Self-Checker with a full list of COVID-19 symptoms can help determine whether further assessment or testing for COVID-19 is needed. 
  • If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek prompt medical attention by calling 911 or contacting the nearest emergency medical facility.

Early evidence indicates exposure to wildfire smoke can make people more susceptible to respiratory infections, likely including COVID-19. Recent studies show that poor air quality can make symptoms and outcomes in people with COVID-19 more severe.

Read more recommendations for wildfire smoke and COVID-19 during the 2020 wildfire season from the Washington State Department of Health.

 

Suquamish smoke

Wildfire smoke in Suquamish - photo courtesy of Tad Sooter

 

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