News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 2 p.m. Oct. 28
View the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard for the latest data.
A new definition for "close contact"
Kitsap Public Health uses Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to help identify close contacts of COVID-19 cases. Until recently, the CDC defined a close contact as someone who had spent at least 15 consecutive minutes within 6 feet of a positive COVID-19 case.
This month, the CDC expanded its criteria for close contacts. Under the new definition, a person is considered a close contact if they spent a total of 15 minutes within 6 feet of a positive case during a 24-hour period. For example, someone who had three, 5-minute interactions with a positive case over the course of a day could now be considered a close contact.
It is important to know that the "15 minutes within 6 feet" definition is simply a tool for evaluating who might be at higher risk for contracting COVID-19. It is not a rigid rule for determining who can or cannot get COVID-19.
You could be at risk for getting COVID-19 if you have had any contact with a COVID-19 case, even if you don't meet the definition of a "close contact." That is why it is so critical to make COVID-19 prevention steps, including physical distancing and wearing a face covering, part of your everyday routine. If you think you have been exposed to a COVID-19 case, avoid close contact with others and seek testing (testing is ideally done 5-8 days after exposure).
If you are identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 case, you will get a call from your health department. Please respond as soon as possible!
COVID-19 drive-thru testing information in English and Spanish
The Kitsap Public Health District and Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center, in partnership with various community organizations, launched a drive-through community COVID-19 testing site this week at Pendergast Regional Park in Bremerton. Hours of operation are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Testing is available regardless of health insurance status. A medical appointment is not required. Registration is required and information is now available in English and Spanish (en Español).
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