Nov. 25, 2020

Public health and hospital officials urge action to prevent strain on healthcare system

COVID-19 activity has reached record-high levels in Kitsap. 

Local health officials warn a surge of new COVID-19 cases is leading to a wave of hospitalizations, as more residents are exposed to the virus. Left unchecked, this spike in disease activity, combined with the arrival of flu and cold season, is a recipe for a healthcare crisis. 

“There is very real potential for our hospitals and clinics to become overwhelmed in coming weeks and months unless we take decisive action as individuals and as a community to slow the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. “Now is simply not a safe time for us to gather with people from outside our households. I urge Kitsap residents to avoid gatherings, for the sake of their families, neighbors, and the frontline workers who are putting themselves at risk to keep our community healthy.”

Kitsap County’s health care system is coping with demand so far. However COVID-19 hospitalizations have doubled in the past weeks, with the number of inpatients increasing from seven at the beginning of November to as many 16 last week. Today, the state Department of Health reported COVID-19 hospital occupancy is "soaring" in Washington.

COVID-19 spread puts healthcare workers at risk

Like many Washington hospitals, CHI Franciscan, including St. Michael Medical Center, is experiencing bed capacity and staffing challenges as admitted COVID-19 cases increased by nearly 150 percent across the entire system since the beginning of the month. Widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the community increases the potential for healthcare workers to become sick or need to quarantine, stretching the workforce even thinner. Visitors are restricted in all CHI Franciscan facilities at this time except for in beginning or end of life situations to help keep staff and patients safe.

“St. Michael Medical Center is prepared to meet the demands presented by COVID-19. We continue to implement several enhanced safety protocols, including robust surveillance testing of our staff, and are closely monitoring the increase in cases along with our public health partners,” said Dr. David Weiss, associate chief medical officer for St. Michael Medical Center.

“We know for certain that when COVID activity increases in the community, hospitals and health care workers are at risk, despite our best efforts to limit the spread," Dr. Weiss added. "Our incredibly dedicated staff have been working tirelessly on the frontlines for months and we need to protect them. Each and every person must do their part to stay safe by wearing masks, washing hands and staying home."

As we address the challenges of COVID-19, Kitsap residents are encouraged to continue seeking preventive and emergency care as needed and should not avoid going to the hospital if they are facing a medical emergency.

“This won’t last forever, but we are at a crucial phase in the pandemic when our choices need to be good ones,” said Dr. Morrow. “Let’s all try to make sure that our thoughtful sacrifices going into this holiday season will prevent lifelong regrets.”

Residents with symptoms or a known exposure are also encouraged to seek testing. Here are local test facilities across Kitsap.  

Make a COVID-19 plan

With COVID-19 spreading widely in our community, it is critical to have a plan in case you, or someone in your household, becomes sick or is exposed to COVID-19. Make a plan for how you will:

• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or contact with a positive case
• Stay home and away from others while you wait for test results or follow public health guidance for isolation or quarantine
• Notify your employer and arrange plans to stay home
• Notify people you have been in close contact with if you test positive for COVID-19

Learn more at cdc.gov, coronavirus.wa.gov, and kitsappublichealth.org

CONTACTS: 

pio@kitsappublichealth.org

CHIMedia@quinnthomas.com