News & Information

COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 10:30 a.m. July 29

• Positive tests to date: 9269
• Deaths to date: 123
• View Kitsap Public Health's COVID-19 surveillance report - Disponible en Español
• DATA UPDATE: Kitsap Public Health District has changed the way it reports COVID-19 data. The rate of new cases reported per 100,000 population over 7 days. Previously, the rate was new cases per 100,000 over 14 days.  
• This COVID-19 Bulletin has moved to a weekly publication each Thursday afternoon. To receive this as an email, go to kcowa.us/covidupdate. 

Now is the time to get your COVID-19 vaccine. Visit Kitsap County Public Health at kcowa.us/vaccine and sign up for vaccine updates from Kitsap Public Health here.

Western Washington health officers recommend masking in indoor public spaces

On Monday the health officers of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, San Juan, and Grays Harbor counties joined together to pass on their best public health advice to protect individuals, families, and our communities.

They recommended that all residents wear facial coverings when in indoor public settings where the vaccination status of those around you is unknown. This step will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public, including customers and workers, help stem the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in many parts of the state and decrease the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

Vaccinations are our best defense against COVID-19 and are safe, effective, and readily available for everyone age 12 and over. Please get yours immediately if you are not already vaccinated.

Masks required for all K-12 students this fall

Safely returning to the classroom for full time in-person instruction this school year is important for students, teachers, and staff. Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released updated guidance for the 2021-2022 school year.

DOH’s guidance aims to minimize transmission and maximize in-person instruction and is informed by the latest science, recently released CDC guidance, and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Details are available in the DOH news release.

Vaccine misinformation - addressing myths related to fertility

In the last several months, we’ve seen how quickly misinformation about vaccines can spread online. Among the most common vaccine myths are those related to fertility. There’s not a lot of information out there on the subject yet. It can be tough for people who are already pregnant — or are planning to become pregnant — to know what to believe.

We know that people from many historically marginalized communities may have higher levels of mistrust because of reproductive injustices they have experienced. The Washington State Department of Health has provided an article and video in which Dr. Gretchen LaSalle, American Academy of Family Physicians Vaccine Science Fellow, helps clear up some of the misconceptions that have circulated. 

Dr. LaSalle explains that the antibodies your body creates to fight the spike protein in the COVID-19 vaccine will not fight proteins in the placenta. A perceived similarity between the two proteins is the result of a myth that started online.

Staying cool and safe as the temperatures rise

Warmer weather on the way Thursday through Saturday, with Friday likely the warmest of the week. This will NOT be nearly as hot as our extreme heat last month, but can still be dangerous for those sensitive to heat so review how to stay safe this week! 

Those needing a place to cool off are welcome to come by the closest branch of the Kitsap Regional Library during their regular business hours. Additionally, many local retail outlets have air conditioning. Additional safety tips and signs of heat related illnesses are available in English and Spanish. 

Just how warm are we talking? At this point, temps are predicted to be above 90 on Friday and in the upper 80's on Saturday. For the latest forecast, go to http://weather.gov/seattle

Preparing for the Big One

Last night Alaska experienced a M8.2 earthquake, the largest U.S. quake in 50 years. The subsequent tsunami warning serves as a good reminder that earthquakes and tsunamis can happen at anytime, anywhere, including the Puget Sound and Hood Canal.

We are 12 weeks away from The Great Shake-Out, October 21. The Shake-Out is the world's largest earthquake drill. We encourage everyone in Kitsap to participate. The preparation taken now will determine our quality of life after the next big earthquake.

Are you prepared to survive and recover quickly? Over the coming weeks Kitsap County Emergency Management will be sharing information and tips about getting prepared before an earthquake or tsunami happens to help you stay safe and recover faster.

Be Be Tsunami Ready & Register for The Great Washington Shake-Out! 

New portal aids Paycheck Protection Plan applicants

The  U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

“The SBA’s new streamlined application portal will simplify forgiveness for millions of our smallest businesses -- including many sole proprietors -- who used funds from our Paycheck Protection Program loans to survive the pandemic,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman.

Upcoming vaccine clinics in Kitsap County

Kitsap Public Health District will be offering 10 COVID-19 vaccination clinics through out Kitsap County between Thursday, July 29 and Saturday, August 7. Find full clinic details at kcowa.us/vaccine. There is no charge for vaccinations and insurance is not required. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Community survey results

Kitsap Public Health District has released the third set of results from its Kitsap County Community Health and Well-Being COVID-19 Survey. Over 11,000 Kitsap County residents participated in the online survey which was open from April 23-30, 2021. The survey includes reasons why some have been hesitant to receive the vaccine and how the pandemic has impacted households in Kitsap County. Find out more on the survey here.

Useful Links

• COVID-19 Vaccine Locator
• Kitsap Public Health vaccine clinic calendar
• Kitsap Public Health Coronavirus Information Page
• Resources for families and individuals

• Resources for businesses

• Kitsap County Eviction Prevention Assistance Program

• Kitsap Community Foundation's Kitsap Cares Page

• Kitsap County Services During the Coronavirus Response

• Kitsap County EOC Coronavirus Resource and Information Page