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This newsletter is produced weekly. For more COVID-19 updates, go to kcowa.us/covid19. You can manage your subscriptions using the links at the very bottom of this bulletin. For weekday data updates, see our COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard at kcowa.us/covid19daily
🩹 UPCOMING VACCINATION CLINICS: Vaccination clinics are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29 (ages 5+); Wednesday, Feb. 2 (ages 12+); Thursday, Feb. 3 (ages 12+); and Friday, Feb. 4 (ages 5-11). Walk-ups are welcome at all our clinics. Appointments are encouraged when available. Find full details on our clinic calendar.
Appointments widely available at drive-through testing sites; tips for using at-home test kits and masks
Key updates
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DATA UPDATE: Due to ongoing issues with the state disease reporting database, Kitsap Public Health District has not updated its COVID-19 Surveillance Report since Monday, Jan. 24 and did not update disease data in its weekly COVID-19 dashboards. Issues with the Washington State Disease Reporting System (WDRS) are causing a large volume of duplicate cases to be reported for Kitsap County.
We made the decision to delay updating our charts until the duplication issue can be investigated and corrected at the state level or we can implement a solution locally. We understand community members are eager for updates at this important juncture in the pandemic and we will provide an update as soon as accurate data are available.
- Based on our most recent data update and data from other sources, COVID-19 activity remains very high in our area but could be peaking. King County, which experienced an early upswing in Omicron cases, has reported a decrease in cases since early January.
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Demand for testing has declined substantially at drive-through testing sites operated by Kitsap Public Health District and the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center. Roughly one third of appointments were full on Friday for our testing site at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Learn more about our drive-through testing operations and book an appointment at kcowa.us/covidtesting. For additional testing options, go to kcowa.us/gettested.
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The state updated its guidance for K-12 education. The update brings schools guidance in line with CDC guidance and changes testing recommendations for athletics.
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Kitsap County reached two major vaccination milestones this week. As of Jan. 25, more than 80% of Kitsap County residents eligible for vaccination (those 5 and older) have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and more than 75% of all Kitsap residents have started vaccination. About 68% of county residents of all ages have completed their initial vaccine series and 30% have received a booster dose. Thank you to everyone who has made the choice to get vaccinated!
Data continue to show COVID-19 vaccines provide excellent protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. If you need a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, go to kcowa.us/vaccine or vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov for a list of local clinics, or call us at 360-728-2219.
Kitsap Public Health staff honored for leadership in COVID-19 response
Kitsap Public Health District staff have been on the frontlines of COVID-19 response for more than two years, logging countless hours to protect the health and wellbeing of Kitsap residents.
This month, several key members of our COVID-19 team were honored for their leadership in local COVID-19 response, as well as other contributions to the community.
The City of Poulsbo celebrated Kitsap Public Health District's Anne Moen and Doug Blangsted of the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center as "Healthcare Heroes" for their work managing drive-through testing sites throughout Kitsap County, including a site at Poulsbo City Hall. Read more in the Kitsap Daily News.
And at a ceremony on Jan. 27, Kitsap Public Health District nurses Lindsey Camarena and Liz Davis were honored as members of Leadership Kitsap's "20 under 40" class for 2022. Liz and Lindsey have taken on leadership roles in our effort to make lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines widely and equitably available to Kitsap residents. Read more in the Kitsap Sun.
Please join us in congratulating Anne, Doug, Lindsey and Liz for these well-deserved honors, and thank you to all of our staff, partners and volunteers for their dedicated service to our community!
Tips for ordering and using self-test (at home) kits
Ordering self-test kits
The federal and state governments both opened portals this month for ordering COVID-19 self-test kits at no cost.
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To order from the federal system, go to covidtests.gov or call 1-800-232-0233.
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To order from the Washington state system, go to sayyescovidhometest.org or call 1-800-525-0127.
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NOTE: Due to high demand, the state system was out of inventory this week and not accepting orders. The state expects to receive more test kits soon and will resume taking orders. Check the Department of Health's website or social media pages for updates.
SELF-TESTING GUIDANCE
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More tips for self testing
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If you do not plan to use a test kit right away, check the packaging for storage instructions.
- Before opening the kit, wash your hands and disinfect the surface (such as table or countertop) where you will be using the test.
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Follow test kit instructions carefully. Instructions will vary depending on the brand of test kit you are using.
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Do not reuse test kit supplies. Discard used test kit supplies after you have completed your test and checked your results.
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If you receive a positive result using a self-test kit, report your result to the state Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127, follow CDC guidance for isolation, and notify people you have been in close contact with.
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NOTE: If you test positive using a self-test kit, you do not need to get a molecular (PCR) test to confirm the result unless recommended by your healthcare provider. Assume that you have COVID-19 and take steps to protect the health of people around you.
Tips for using masks and respirators
 Click the image to view the CDC's illustrated guide to using N95 masks.
Masking remains a key strategy for protecting our health and slowing the spread of COVID-19.
As discussed in our newsletter last week, experts recommend switching from cloth masks to more effective surgical masks or respirators, such as KN95s or N95s. These masks will provide better protection for you and people around you.
The federal government plans to distribute more than 400 million N95 masks to major pharmacy chains and community health centers. Kitsap Public Health District does not have masks to distribute at this time. Check with your local pharmacy regarding availability.
With more people using medical-grade masks and respirators, we have been fielding questions about how to use and care for these masks. Here are tips and links to resources:
- The CDC produced an illustrated guide showing how to use N95s.
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An N95 mask should be sealed snugly to your face to provide full protection. If you can feel air escaping from the sides of the mask when you breathe, or your glasses are fogging up, your mask is not fit properly. Readjust the mask or choose a different size if available.
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Do not wash N95 respirators and other medical-grade masks. Masks cannot be sterilized in a microwave or oven.
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You can reuse N95s and KN95s, but you should replace your mask when the straps become stretched out and no longer provide a snug fit, or if the mask becomes wet, dirty, or damaged. Throw your old masks in the garbage.
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If you choose to continue wearing cloth masks, be sure to wash and dry your cloth masks frequently to fight germs.
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Visit the CDC's website for more about the different types of masks available and how to use them.
Thank you for masking up!
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PRINTABLE WEEKLY OUTLOOK
Download our weekly outlook report as a PDF that you can print and share in your community. Thank you for spreading reliable information about COVID-19!
Looking for an image file to share? Click here.
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Numbers to know
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DATA UPDATE: Due to ongoing issues with the state disease reporting database, Kitsap Public Health District has not updated its COVID-19 Surveillance Report since Monday, Jan. 24 and did not update weekly dashboards this week. We will post updated reports as soon as possible. See the note at the top of this newsletter for additional information.
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As of Jan. 25, 75.5% of all Kitsap residents (ages 0+) have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 67.9% are fully vaccinated. More than 205,400 Kitsap residents have received at least one dose of vaccine. Of the Kitsap residents eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine (ages 5+), 80.2% have received at least one dose and 72% are fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 PREVENTION: LET'S GET BACK TO BASICS
Indoor gatherings and the arrival of Omicron increase the risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 this winter. Now is a good time to get back to basics and focus on using the tools we know work to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
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Vaccination: Vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant, especially for those who are fully vaccinated and have received a booster shot. Learn more about vaccination options in Kitsap.
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Masking: A mask is required in indoor public spaces and large outdoor events in Washington. To increase your protection, consider wearing a mask anytime you are around people from outside of your household. Wear a mask that fits snugly over your mouth and nose.
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Distancing: Avoid crowded indoor settings and gatherings in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Increase your protection by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from people outside of your household as much as possible.
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Washing hands: Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Carry hand sanitizer with you.
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Testing: Whether you are vaccinated or not, help keep people around you safe by avoiding contact with others and getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Follow all public health guidance if you test positive.
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Staying home when sick: If you feel sick, stay home as much as you can, except to seek medical care. Many respiratory illnesses are circulating in our community this winter. Do your best to avoid getting others sick.
- Find more prevention tips here.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org
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