News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 11 a.m. Nov. 22
View the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard for the latest data.
DATA UPDATE: As of Nov. 18, we changed the way we report data on people currently affected by COVID-19 in our community. We have replaced the “Active Cases” and “Active Contacts” measure in our daily Surveillance Report with new measures for “Cases in Isolation” and “Close Contacts in Quarantine.” Cases in isolation are confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases who are in their recommended isolation period (10 days after first symptoms). Close contacts in quarantine are residents who were determined to be close contacts of confirmed cases and are in their recommended quarantine period (14 days after last contact with case).
Department of Health urges people to limit Thanksgiving gatherings, not seek screening tests
The Washington State Department of Health strongly urges everyone to limit their holiday celebrations to only members of their immediate households. The state also encourages anyone with symptoms or close contact with someone who is infected (or suspected to be infected) with COVID-19 to get tested now. Others without symptoms are discouraged from seeking tests. Read the press release here.
Demand for COVID-19 testing has increased across Washington as disease transmission continues to rise. To ensure testing access for Washingtonians with COVID-like symptoms or those who have had close contacts, the general public is asked to not seek screening tests to attend Thanksgiving celebrations.
Kitsap County offers drive-thru testing options
The Kitsap Public Health District and Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center, in partnership with community organizations, continue to offer drive-thru community COVID-19 testing sites in Bremerton and Poulsbo. These sites provide additional low-barrier options with short wait times (typically 1-2 days) for receiving test results.
Testing is available for anyone who:
To ensure adequate testing supplies and avoid long wait times, those needing COVID-19 testing must register online or by phone to schedule an appointment.
For a list of testing dates and locations, and to register, go to http://kcowa.us/covidtesting .
Safe, convenient medication return program underway
 If you've been cleaning out your medicine cabinet along with the garage and closets while you're home during the pandemic, be sure to dispose of unwanted and expired medications properly. Washington’s Safe Medication Return Program got underway this weekend, aimed at preventing poisoning and overdose, and the environmental hazards caused by flushing medicine down the toilet or throwing it in the trash.
The program gives Washington residents free, convenient, and environmentally responsible options for disposing of unwanted medication.
Physical drop boxes are available at locations throughout Kitsap County. To protect your privacy, patients are reminded to remove all personally identifiable information on medication labels or packaging before disposing of unwanted medicines.
People may also request free mail-back envelopes so they don’t need to leave their homes to participate. Most medications are accepted for return, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, controlled substance medication, and even household pet medications.
Wipes clog pipes
The Washington Emergency Management Division posted a local alert for the state of Washington as shoppers are seeing a shortage of toilet paper again during the pandemic.
Don't make a disaster worse for you or anyone else. A plea from your local wastewater treatment centers: If you ran out of toilet paper and bought a bunch of baby wipes, paper towels, kleenex, don't flush them. Even if it's labeled "flushable" wipes, don't risk it. Your drains could clog (see photo below) and then you'd be on the hook for expensive repairs -- and wouldn't even have a toilet. Just because it's "flushable" doesn't mean it actually is.
Useful Links
|
.png)