COVID-19 update from the Kitsap EOC - August 19, 2021

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News & Information

COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 2:00 p.m. August 19

  • Positive tests to date: 10,691
  • Deaths to date: 127
  • View Kitsap Public Health's COVID-19 surveillance report - Disponible en Español
  • DATA UPDATE: 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.  
  • The COVID-19 Bulletin now publishes on an occassional basis. The Bulletin will continue to highlight recovery resources for businesses and families, as well as new guidance from the state, typically once or twice each month. The COVID-19 Weekly Outlook from KPHD will continue to provide the latest public health information on the pandemic. To subscribe to the Weekly Outlook click here and select "COVID-19 updates" under Kitsap Public Health District on the menu.  

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.

¿Quieres información sobre la vacuna COVID-19? Mira nuestro pagina para mas información de la vacuna y como obtener la vacuna: https://bit.ly/2XVht0W Tambien os puede llamar nuestro linea 360-728-2218

Daily COVID-19 Data Report 8-19

Indoor mask mandate begins August 23

Gov. Jay Inslee announced yesterday that the existing statewide mask mandate will be expanded to include vaccinated individuals in indoor settings effective Monday, August 23. The expansion comes after Washington recently broke the previous record for COVID hospitalizations set in December.

The mask mandate will apply to most all public places across the state, including restaurants, grocery stores, malls, and public-facing offices. While not required, it’s strongly recommended to also wear masks in crowded outdoor settings, such as concerts, fairs and farmers markets.

The governor also announced a vaccination requirement for employees working in K-12, most childcare and early learning, and higher education, as well as an expansion of the statewide mask mandate to all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. The vaccination requirement for school employees does not impact students, regardless of age.

Every county in the state currently falls within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) substantial or high transmission, and each of the state’s 35 local health officers recently recommended all individuals wear masks indoors.

Masks required starting Aug 23

Community based testing available in Bremerton and Poulsbo 

With cases of COVID-19 surging in Kitsap County, testing remains a vital part of combating the spread of COVID-19. Testing is available for people of all ages at no cost. 

Starting this week, Kitsap Public Health District and the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center is operating COVID-19 testing sites at two locations:

- Bremerton Harborside Parking Garage, 100 Washington Ave., Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

- City of Poulsbo Parking Garage, 200 Moe St., Thursdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For more information, including how to register for an appointment, visit kcowa.us/covidtesting

Kitsap Public Health District has recently updated the list of local test providers. If you are traveling this summer, here is the link to find test locations across the state of Washington. If you have questions about testing sites, call 2-1-1.

Testing photo

 

Vaccine misinformation - addressing myths about relying on your natural immune system

In recent weeks we've looked at some misinformation about vaccines circulating online. Among the most common vaccine myths are those related to the question of depending on ones own immune system as a defense against COVID-19

In a short video, Dr. Gretchen LaSalle, Vaccine Science Fellow at the American Academy of Family Physicians addresses the question, "Why not just get the infection and build immunity naturally?"  She explains that many viruses can have very serious consequences even while one’s natural immune system is trying to catch up.

The purpose of a vaccine is to prepare your body to develop the immune response when you encounter that specific illness. At that point your body is ready to fight the disease. Learn more COVID-19 facts here.  

COVID-19 virus

 

Finding COVID-19 vaccine providers across Washington state

No matter where you are in Washington, the Vaccine Locator  provided by Washington State Department of Health makes it easy to find and schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Homebound and need a COVID-19 vaccine? 
Fill out a secure online form to let us know if you or someone you know is homebound. Your answers will allow us to connect individuals to available County and/or State Mobile Vaccine Teams.

Need help? Call the hotline at 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357), then press #. Language assistance is available. You can also text your zip code to 438-829 (GET VAX) or 822-862 (VACUNA) for vaccine locations near you.

Need transportation? If you need transportation assistance to a COVID-19 vaccine site, please call Kitsap Transit's ACCESS service at (360) 479-7272 or (800) 422-2877. To make an appointment for a vaccination, please contact your health-care provider or the clinic. Find available appointments at vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.

Due to waiting times at clinics, you will need to call ACCESS after you have received your vaccine to request a ride home. Kitsap Transit is waiving fares for these rides. Click here for office hours and locations.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at cdc.gov/coronavirus

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The four ingredients of resilience

Since the pandemic began, there have been increases in self-reported depression, anxiety, and insomnia. And now, as the delta variant is rapidly spreading across Washington, there is added uncertainty to our hopes of putting the pandemic behind us. One of the most overlooked areas of trauma after a disaster or emergency (like COVID-19) is mental health.

At a recent mental health focused webinar, Kira Mauseth, Ph.D. (Co-lead, Behavioral Health Strike Team, DOH) spoke about the four “ingredients of resilience.” Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from difficult experiences. The four ingredients of resilience are Purpose, Connection, Adaptability and Hope. Together, these positive, self-care practices can help people recover after a disaster. They can be practiced by anyone, at any time. And you can get started by incorporating them into your daily life. Learn more here.

Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.

 

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