News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 11:00 a.m., December 16
- Positive tests to date: 18,862
- Deaths to date: 263
- View Kitsap Public Health's COVID-19 surveillance report - Disponible en Español
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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.
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The COVID-19 Bulletin now publishes on an occasional 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 here for vaccine updates from Kitsap Public Health.
¿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
Vaccine booster shot now available for ages 16 and 17
Eligibility for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine has recently expanded to include everyone ages 16 and 17 and older. A booster shot is now recommended six months after receiving the second dose of the initial vaccine series of the Pfizer vaccine. See the Washington State Department of Health news release and FDA announcement for details.
Here is the guidance on booster shots for those 18 and older:
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Pzizer-Biotech - Adults aged 18 and older may receive this booster shot as early as six months after getting vaccinated.
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Moderna - Adults aged 18 and older may receive this booster shot as early as six months after getting vaccinated.
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Johnson & Johnson - Adults aged 18 and older may receive this booster shot as early as two months after getting vaccinated.
Everyone age 5 and older is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. People who have not yet been vaccinated are highly encouraged to make an appointment today to protect themselves and those around them.
- Click here for a fact sheet for children ages 5-11.
- COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County can be found here.
News on the Omicron variant
Omicron is a recently discovered variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. As of December 15, this new variant has been detected in 37 of the 50 states and in counties neighboring Kitsap. Based on what we know about how the variant spreads, it is likely Omicron will be detected in Kitsap in coming weeks. Here is the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
What we know about the infection and spread of Omicron
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How easily does Omicron spread? The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
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Will Omicron cause more severe illness? More data are needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.
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Will vaccines work against Omicron? Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
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Will treatments work against Omicron? Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
We have the tools to fight Omicron
Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, including how protected fully vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization, and death. CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. CDC recommends that everyone ages 18 years and older should get a booster shot at least two months after their initial J&J/Janssen vaccine or six months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.
Masks offer protection against all variants. CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status. CDC provides advice about masks for people who want to learn more about what type of mask is right for them depending on their circumstances.
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A healthy mindset for the holidays
The holiday season provides us a chance to express gratitude, care, and compassion to ourselves and to others. It can also be a challenging time for many of us. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to offer it to someone who needs it.
How you can get help:
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. See resources and self-help tips from Washington Listens.
Additional resources are available to our military veterans. The Veterans Administration has provided this guide in managing stress and anxiety. To learn how veterans have been impacted by the pandemic, read this article from the Washington State Department of Health.
If you are struggling at any point, and need fast support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line. This line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1–800–273–8255 and press 1; chat online; or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
 Thank You Emergency Operations Center Volunteers!
From the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic response in March 2020, volunteers have contributed to the slowing of the virus and supporting the people of Kitsap County through the work of the Emergency Operations Center. Some have made their contribution in front of a computer screen, on the phone or working at the PPE distribution center. Others have been active in our field operations which have included vaccine clinics, drive-through test sites and the quarantine and isolation center.
From January 1 through December 15 of this year, our community has received 22,740 service hours by 583 volunteers. Within this group, 53 volunteers have logged over 100 hours of service time. Thank you volunteers for your energetic and compassionate service!
Myth busting: Learning how VAERS works
It can be difficult to understand the truth of vaccine safety, especially when people who claim the COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe often say they have data to back up their opposing opinion. Often, one of the sources of confusion or misinformation about vaccines can come from trying to understand the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS.
In response, the Washington State Department of Health has produced a short and helpful video that describes how this reporting system works. You can also learn more about VAERS from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at this link.
Drive-through testing available this holiday season
Testing continues to play a critical role in slowing the spread of the virus when one experiences the symptoms of COVID-19 and in preparation for travel over the upcoming holidays. Our community-based testing sites in Kitsap County continue to be available four days each week at four different locations across the county. Testing will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 in observance of the holidays. Here is the full list of locations:
- Mondays: Bainbridge Island - Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Dr NE
- Tuesdays: Bremerton - Harborside Parking Garage, 100 Washington Ave.
- Thursdays: Poulsbo - City Hall Parking Garage, 200 Moe St.
- Saturdays: Central Kitsap - Fairgrounds (Sheep Barn), 1200 Fairgrounds Rd NW
(closed on December 25 and January 1)
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.
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. A regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County can be found here.
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.
Kitsap Public Health District continues to provide vaccine clinics at Bremerton Saint Michael Medical Center. 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
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