Jan. 14, 2021

Kitsap Public Health reporting elevated COVID-19 activity and increased deaths

50 COVID-19 associated deaths have been reported in Kitsap County since the start of the pandemic. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA – The Kitsap Public Health District continues to report a high level of COVID-19 activity in Kitsap County following the holiday season, in addition to an increase in COVID-19-associated deaths.

COVID-19 activity remains elevated across our region throughout the fall and winter and Kitsap Public Health’s COVID-19 team is responding to a large volume of cases this month. A total of 436 positive cases have been reported since the start of 2021 (based on testing date), including 107 on Jan. 4 alone.

Widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the community has contributed to an increase in hospital admissions and outbreaks in a variety of workplace, residential, and healthcare settings. Kitsap Public Health is assisting several long-term care facilities responding to COVID-19 outbreaks. More information about outbreaks is available on the Health District’s website.

RISE IN DEATHS REPORTED

Kitsap County passed a somber milestone this week as Kitsap Public Health confirmed the 50^th COVID-19-associated death among Kitsap residents. Twenty-three deaths occurred in December and the first weeks of January.

About one half of deaths reported in the county to date have been linked to outbreaks in long-term care settings. However, COVID-19 transmission across the community has led to severe illness, hospitalization, and death among residents outside of care facilities. 

“Our hearts are with the families in our community who have lost loved ones to the pandemic or are struggling to overcome this disease,” Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said.

“The arrival of COVID-19 vaccine gives us hope that the end of the pandemic is in sight, and we are working with our healthcare community to roll out vaccinations as quickly and efficiently as possible,” he added. “But as we work to build our collective immunity, we have to keep fighting the spread of the virus by wearing masks, keeping our distance from others, washing hands, avoiding gatherings, and staying home when sick. These are simple steps that will save lives.”

Factors contributing to recent cases include:

• Workplace exposures from employees reporting to work while sick
• Cases linked to holidays and social gatherings
• Cases linked to outbreaks at care facilities and other settings
• Widespread COVID-19 transmission in the community

How the community can help:

• Continue fighting the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks, keeping a distance from others, washing hands, avoiding gatherings, and staying home when sick.
• Get tested as soon as possible if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone who tested positive. Testing remains key for notifying people who have been exposed to the virus and preventing more people from getting infected.
• Employers should screen employees for symptoms and keep workers home if they have any symptoms or were in contact with someone who tested positive.
• Stay informed about vaccine rollout and be ready to get vaccinated when eligible. Kitsap County and Washington state are currently progressing through phase 1a of vaccination.

CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org