News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 11:00 a.m. September 2
- Positive tests to date: 12,150
- Deaths to date: 137
- 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
Drive thru testing now available in South Kitsap
As cases of COVID-19 continue to surgie in Kitsap County, testing remains a vital part of combating the spread. Testing is available for people of all ages at no cost. Anyone, regardless of vaccination status, should get tested if they:
- are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
- have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Individuals with symptoms should get tested immediately, close contacts should get tested 3 to 5 days after having close contact with a person testing positive for COVID-19.
This week, Kitsap Public Health District and the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center launched a new drive thru COVID-19 testing site in South Kitsap on Wednesdays. Here are the current locations:
- Bremerton Harborside Parking Garage, 100 Washington Ave., Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Grace Bible Church, 7070 Bethel Burley Rd SE, Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- City of Poulsbo Parking Garage, 200 Moe St., Thursdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Registration is recommended as on-site registration is limited. For more information, visit kcowa.us/covidtesting
Additionally, Kitsap Public Health District regularly updates 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.
 How good is your mask?
Cooler temperatures ahead mean that we will be spending more time indoors in the coming months. The continued spread of the delta virus means that we should give thought to the kind of mask we wear in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor spaces.
Many of us have access to disposable surgical masks which fit snugly against the sides of your face, completely covering your nose and mouth and have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. This is a great option as you do your shopping and visit with those outside your immediate family. Additionally, Dr. Anthony Fauci demonstrates in this video the added benefit of wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask.
Single layer gaiters and bandannas are much less effective than surgical masks or masks constructed with multiple layers of fabric. Masks with exhalation valves or vents have no value against the spread of COVID-19 as they allow virus particles to escape.
Remember, they key is wearing a mask correctly and consistently for the best protection.
- Be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on a mask.
- Do NOT touch the mask when wearing it. If you have to often touch/adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit you properly, and you may need to find a different mask or make adjustments.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides helpful guidance in selecting a mask and wearing it correctly. Thank you for doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19!
 Third COVID-19 vaccine dose available for those who are immunocompromised
A third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is available from Kitsap Public Health District for individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised at the Thursday vaccine clinics held at the Bremerton St. Michael Medical Center. Booster doses are not available to the general public at this time.
Qualifying conditions include those who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
KPHD will only be giving third doses of the same vaccine as previously administered, and it must be at least 28 days since the second dose. Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are not approved for additional doses.
Registration for the Thursday clinic is also open to those 12 and older initiating vaccination. Register at: https://kphd.timetap.com/#/
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.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at cdc.gov/coronavirus
Vaccine misinformation - addressing myths about the vaccine safety for nursing mothers
In recent weeks we've looked at some misinformation about vaccines circulating online. One vaccine myth questions the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines for nursing mothers.
The CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that parents who are lactating or pregnant get a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. There’s no need to stop serving your milk if you get vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccines can’t cause COVID-19 infections in anyone, including the parent and the baby.
In fact, getting the vaccine while nursing can provide some added benefits. Recent studies show nursing parents that received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their produced milk. These antibodies made by your body may be passed through breastmilk and may help protect your child from the virus. So, receiving both doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) actually boosts the protective properties in your milk and helps protect your child.
Additional information can be found here. The Washington State Department of Health recommends talking to your doctor or health care provider for clarity on any specific question and the most up-to-date information on nursing your baby.
 Utility moratorium ends September 30
State leaders and utility operators estimate more than 500,000 Washingtonians have overdue bills that could result in their services being shut off when the utlity moritorium expires on September 30. Customers should contact their utility provider ASAP and make a plan to keep their services on. More information can be found here.
If you are behind on your utilities, you have options before services get shut off. Call your utility, phone or internet provider, make a plan, keep the service on. The Washington State Department of Commerce encourges you not to wait. Contact your utility provider right away. More info in 36 languages: commerce.wa.gov/utility-assistance/
 Online business forums Thursday, September 9
Minority businesses & working women have been hard hit by the pandemic. In response, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance is offering two online forums on Thursday, September 9.
Starting at 11:00 a.m., The Kitsap Digital Hour presents, "The Great COVID SHE-CESSION: Society at a Crossroads
Women are being disproportionately impacted in the COVID-19 economy and many have been forced to leave jobs and careers to manage the demands of remote schooling and deal with the lack of childcare.What will be the long-term impact of the she-cession?
This forum will explore the this critical subject, the circumstances that created a workforce crisis, and how it is impacting, careers, families, and employers. Register here.
Starting at 6:00 p.m., the Kitsap BIPOC presents, "Opportunities in Government Contracting: Learn how to get certified & grow your business!"
This 2-hour virtual event will help you decide if government contracting is a good fit for your business. This event will have presenters from local BIPOC owned firms about their government contracting journey and experience. It will also offer information on what certifications are available on both the state and federal levels. Register here.
Useful Links
|
.png)