May 4, 2021

Gov. Inslee announces two-week pause in recovery plan phases as COVID-19 activity shows signs of plateau

Local leaders call on all Kitsap residents to get vaccinated and keep taking precautions to fight the spread of COVID-19. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA ⁠— Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that all counties will remain in their current phase of the Healthy Washington recovery plan for two weeks, as state health officials evaluate shifting COVID-19 case trends. 

Kitsap County remains in Phase 3 of the plan. Find a full list of activities allowed under each phase at coronavirus.wa.gov.

In his announcement, Gov. Inslee said the decision to pause phases was prompted by signs of a statewide plateau in COVID-19 activity, which had been surging this spring. State health officials will monitor this trend over the next two weeks before making further decisions regarding recovery phases. 

Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said the governor's pause gives Kitsap residents an opportunity to drive down case rates locally by getting vaccinated and redoubling efforts to fight the spread of the virus. 

"It's time to put the hammer down on COVID-19 in Kitsap County, and that starts with getting vaccinated," Dr. Morrow said. "Every shot counts." 

Dr. Morrow noted that vaccination is already helping slow the spread of COVID-19 among older residents in the county, who are now widely immunized. 

"We need more adults of all ages to get vaccinated and keep taking precautions so we can beat this pandemic and move our county forward," he said. "If you've already been vaccinated, please help people around you get vaccinated too."

Kitsap Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Joe Morrison agreed that vaccination and ongoing precautions are key to keeping Kitsap residents healthy and Kitsap businesses thriving. 

"We're all tired and looking forward to the day when COVID is over — but it isn't over yet," Morrison said. "It's vital to stay cautious and get the shot. Vaccines are safe and effective, and if we all go out and get them, that's what will allow us to continue reopening our economy and help our local business community."

To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, go to vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov. Find COVID-19 prevention tips and guidance on the CDC's website.

Questions? Contact pio@kitsappublichealth.org