News & Information

COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 11:00 a.m. September 23

• Positive tests to date: 14,359
• Deaths to date: 172
• 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.

Masks and…

One of the big questions that many have right now is, “Do I still need to wear a mask?” In many situations the answer is “Yes, and…” Wearing the right face covering is one vital tool in the toolkit to slow the spread of COVID-19. But it’s not our only tool. “Yes, and…” means wearing a mask, AND maintaining 6 feet of physical distance, avoiding crowds, washing your hands frequently, getting vaccinated if eligible, and getting tested if you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19. This "Yes, and" strategy promoted by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) will help us turn the tide in our battle against COVID-19.

You may also wonder, “What counts as a face covering, and if I’m already vaccinated why do I still have to wear one?” The Washington Department of Health has recently released updated guidance on when face coverings should be worn, and what constitutes a face covering. The CDC also has recommended strategies on how to improve mask fittings to more effectively slow the spread of COVID-19. This guidance from the state is available in a variety of languages including Spanish and Tagalog.

Kitsap drive thru test sites continue their vital role

The drive thru COVID-19 test sites have served hundreds of Kitsap residents in recent weeks. This critical resource is available Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the following locations: 

- Mondays: Bainbridge Island - Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Dr NE

- Tuesdays: Bremerton - Harborside Parking Garage, 100 Washington Ave.

- Wednesdays: South Kitsap - Grace Bible Church, 7070 Bethel Burley Rd SE 

- Thursdays: Poulsbo - City Hall Parking Garage, 200 Moe St.

Registration is recommended for all locations to guarantee a spot and for faster service. For more information, visit kcowa.us/covidtesting. Additionally, Kitsap Public Health District regularly updates the list of local test providers. Questions about test sites? Call 2-1-1.

REPORTING OVER-THE-COUNTER COVID-19 TESTS: People who test themselves at home should report their results to public health by calling the Washington State Department of Health COVID hotline (1-800-525-0127) and follow CDC recommendations for isolation or quarantine.

What about pre-existing medical conditions?

For many, getting vaccinated provided peace of mind, and the confidence that we are protected against becoming seriously ill from the COVID-19 virus. However, for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, getting the vaccine may cause added anxiety. 

In a recent interview, Dr. Consuelo Rodriguez, a research assistant at Pacific Northwest University of Health & Sciences, identified the most common medical conditions and what to consider if you’re thinking about getting vaccinated. 

In the interview, Dr. Rodriguez notes that people with pre-existing medical conditions have higher risk of getting seriously sick or dying if they get COVID-19. She also states that it’s critical for people with pre-existing medical conditions to get vaccinated against COVID-19. They’re more likely to get seriously sick or die if they are infected with COVID-19, and vaccination provides the best protection. 

Dr. Rodriquez also stated that Clinical trials showed that people with pre-existing conditions who got the vaccine were more protected from COVID-19 compared to those who did not get the vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective for people with pre-existing medical conditions, especially when comparing benefits to risks.

For additional information, check the CDC website or CovidVaccineWA.org for the latest  about the COVID-19 vaccine and pre-existing medical conditions.

COVID-19 vaccination required for child care, early learning and youth program providers

Vaccine misinformation - addressing myths about the development of COVID-19 vaccines

In recent weeks we've looked at some misinformation about vaccines circulating online. One vaccine myth questions the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines because of the speed with which it was developed and concluding that steps must have been skipped.

To speed up the COVID-19 vaccine, some steps in the development process overlapped, but steps weren’t skipped. In fact, researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades.

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has outlined in this article that the vaccines met the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support approval or authorization of a vaccine.

A video by Washington State Department of Health (DOH) that summaries the process in which the vaccines can be found here. Additional responses to common myths about COVID-19 myths are addressed here by the CDC and by DOH in this article.

Finding a COVID-19 vaccine provider

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.

The Thursday afternoon clinic at Bremerton Saint Michael Medical Center is open to those 12 and older. Register at: https://kphd.timetap.com/#/ 

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 clinic.

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

Useful Links

• Online reporting of COVID-19 cases for businesses & organizations
• 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

• Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Page with links to resources in 38 languages