Feb. 11, 2021

Kitsap moving to Phase 2 of Roadmap to Recovery plan

New phase takes effect Monday, Feb. 15. Find information and guidance here. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced today Kitsap County will move into Phase 2 of the state's Roadmap to Recovery plan on Monday, Feb. 15, allowing more business, social, and recreational activities to resume. Details on the guidance for businesses and workers is available here. Visit the Kitsap Public Health Roadmap to Recovery website here.

"I am thrilled the governor recognized the progress we've made fighting the spread of COVID-19 in Kitsap County," said Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Kitsap Public Health Board. "This announcement is a testament to the dedication of Kitsap residents, business owners, and our frontline health workers. We are headed in the right direction and need to stay the course."

Kitsap County is part of the Northwest region that includes Mason, Jefferson and Clallam counties. According to the governor's announcement, the region met all four of the metrics required to progress in the state's phased recovery plan. 

Data published by Kitsap Public Health District indicate COVID-19 activity is declining overall in Kitsap, but the virus is still spreading in the community. 

"The move to Phase 2 is exciting news for our community, but it's not a return to business as usual," Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. "COVID-19 is still spreading in all parts of our county and cases could easily soar again if we let our guard down. We need to continue practicing healthy habits like masking and distancing so we can keep our loved ones safe, keep businesses open, keep kids in classrooms, and keep Kitsap moving forward."

Moving to Phase 2 is an indication of the hard work of the residents of Kitsap County and our region to slow the spread of COVID-19. Commissioner Rob Gelder, chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, noted that we need to continue slowing the spread of the virus. "I’m happy for our restaurant owners and other local businesses that are able to enjoy a relaxation of business restrictions. Our economy and their livelihoods depends upon it. But moving back to Phase 1 would be devastating and we need to keep up the good work.”

WHAT'S OPEN IN PHASE 2?

Detailed business guidance is posted at governor.wa.gov.

1. Indoor social gatherings with people from outside your household should not include more than 5 people, limit two households.
   
   
2. Outdoor social gatherings shall be limited to 15 people from outside your household, limit 2 households.
   
   
3. Worship services allowed up to 25% indoor capacity.
   
   
4. Retail stores, including farmers markets, allowed up to 25% indoor capacity. Curbside pick-up is encouraged.
   
   
5. Professional services allowed up to 25% indoor capacity. Remote work strongly encouraged.
   
   
6. Personal services allowed up to 25% indoor capacity.
   
   
7. Eating and drinking establishments are limited to 25% capacity for indoor service. Outdoor dining and to-go service are permitted, provided that all outdoor dining must comply with the requirements of the Outdoor Open Air Guidance. Table size for indoor and outdoor dining is limited to a maximum of six people and two households. Establishments only serving individuals 21+ and no food remain closed.
   
   
8. Wedding and funeral ceremonies and indoor receptions, and wakes are permitted and must follow appropriate venue requirements. If food or drinks are served, eating and drinking establishment requirements outlined above apply. Dancing is prohibited.
   
   
9. Low and moderate risk sports competitions are permitted. Tournaments are not permitted. Fitness and training establishments can operate at a maximum of 25% capacity.
   
   
10. Indoor entertainment establishments such as aquariums, theaters, arenas, concert halls, gardens, museums, bowling alleys, trampoline facilities, cardrooms and event spaces are open at a maximum of 25% capacity. If food or drinks are served, eating and drinking establishment requirements outlined above apply.
    
    
11. Outdoor entertainment establishments such as zoos, gardens, aquariums, theaters, stadiums, event spaces, arenas, concert venues and rodeos can be open for groups of 15, with a maximum of 200 individuals including spectators.

KEEP FIGHTING COVID-19 

For Kitsap County to remain in Phase 2, it must continue to meet metrics of the phased recovery plan. Even with COVID-19 vaccination underway in our community, it will take months for a majority of residents to get the vaccine. While we wait, remember to:

• Continue fighting the spread of COVID-19 by practicing the "Three Ws":
• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands frequently
• Watch your distance: stay at least 6 feet apart from people you don't live with

Stay informed about vaccine allocations and be ready to get vaccinated.

MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org