News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 2 p.m. Nov. 4
View the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard for the latest data.
With cases rising, health officer calls on residents to “do the right thing”
A new wave of COVID-19 activity is rising in Kitsap County.
Our county experienced its highest single-day case count to date on October 26, when 35 new COVID-19 cases were reported (based on the date cases were tested). A total of 368 positive cases have been confirmed since October 1, including 131 in the past 10 days. A similar surge in cases is being reported across Western Washington.
“I am deeply concerned by this upswing in cases and the types of gatherings and workplace exposures being reported in the community,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. “We’ve seen how fast case counts can accelerate and this upward trajectory is especially worrisome with the holiday season approaching.”
Kitsap Public Health District’s COVID-19 team is responding to an onslaught of new cases and outbreaks throughout the community. Recent cases are linked to a wide range of settings, including:
- Workplaces (Kitsap Public Health contacted more than 50 businesses in the last three weeks of October)
- Government settings
- Religious gatherings
- Social gatherings where participants were close together and not wearing masks
- Household exposures
Dr. Morrow noted many of the situations that led to COVID-19 spreading from one person to another could have been avoided.
“We know what works to slow the spread of COVID-19. Masks work. Distancing works. Limiting our social interactions works. Each of us needs to commit to doing the right thing in every aspect of our lives. It’s the only way we can control the spread of this disease and begin to heal our community.”
See the state’s Safer Gatherings guide for tips on safely celebrating the holidays.
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Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness applications still being accepted
There has been some confusion about whether applications for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness were due October 31. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reassured applicants there is no defined deadline.
Business owners can still use the simplified application which significantly reduces the time and paperwork needed for PPP loan forgiveness. Read the SBA’s “6 Things About PPP Loan Forgiveness You Should Know” for more information.
Bainbridge Island COVID-19 testing update
At this time, appointments at the COVID-19 drive-thru testing site on Bainbridge Island are booked through November 30.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please get tested through your primary care physician or urgent care. The City of Bainbridge Island will inform the community if additional testing dates and times will be offered.
Visit kcowa.us/covidtesting for information on drive-thru testing at Pendergast Regional Park in Bremerton.
Kitsap Public Health also maintains a list of Kitsap County COVID-19 test providers. Those who need testing should first contact their regular health care provider.
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