July 1, 2020

State places Kitsap County's Phase 3 application on pause until July 9

Kitsap residents can help position the county to move forward. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — The Kitsap Public Health District has received notification from Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman that the state is pausing review of Kitsap County’s application to move to Phase 3 of the Safe Start plan until at least July 9, as public health officials evaluate changing circumstances. Kitsap County remains in Phase 2. 

Kitsap met many of the criteria used by the state to evaluate whether counties are ready to move to the next phase of Safe Start. However, the situation has changed significantly since Kitsap County’s application was submitted June 19.

The number of COVID-19 cases reported in Kitsap has risen substantially. A total of 78 cases were reported in June, compared with 11 in May. In addition, several COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in the county, including three linked to long-term care facilities.

“I know this pause on Kitsap’s move to Phase 3 will be disappointing to many, but it is not entirely unexpected given the increase in COVID-19 cases reported across the region this month. I am optimistic that Kitsap will be positioned to move to Phase 3 soon because we are a resilient community that pulls together to overcome challenges,” Kitsap Public Health Board Chair Rob Putaansuu said. “I want to recognize and thank the staff working at the Health District and through our Emergency Operations Center who have tirelessly served our community on a near 24/7 basis since the start of the pandemic to keep Kitsap safe from COVID-19. I am also grateful to every Kitsap resident who has made sacrifices to protect their neighbors and keep us moving forward.”

Vigilance is needed to keep Kitsap County on track, noted Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners.

“While we’re disappointed with this delay, we know COVID-19 continues to spread in our area. It is concerning to see how rapidly cases rise in other parts of the state and the country when people stop being cautious and gather in larger groups,” Garrido said. “To continue moving towards recovery and protect the health of our community, we all share a responsibility to follow safety guidelines.”

WHY IS KITSAP'S APPLICATION ON PAUSE?

In addition to the overall increase in COVID-19 activity across the region, Secretary Wiesman identified three areas of special concern for Kitsap County:

• Kitsap is experiencing multiple COVID-19 outbreaks, including three at long-term care facilities. The outbreaks were reported after Kitsap’s Phase 3 application was submitted to the state. Kitsap Public Health is working closely with the facilities to prevent additional spread. Cases at long-term care facilities are especially concerning because residents live closely together, and many are at high risk for severe illness and hospitalization. One or more COVID-19 cases linked to a long-term care facility is defined as an “outbreak.” The number of outbreaks reported in Kitsap County over the past week exceeds the state’s target for Safe Start.
  
  
• Kitsap residents who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 waited a median of four days after their symptoms started to get tested. The state’s target is two days. This measure is important because the sooner a person is tested and diagnosed, the sooner public health can initiate contact tracing and take steps to stop the spread of COVID-19.
  
  
• People who have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to a confirmed case are advised to stay home for a period of time to avoid spreading the virus to others. Kitsap Public Health is required to check in with these people every day, but some have not answered or returned our calls. Kitsap is falling short of the state’s benchmark of 80 percent participation in daily monitoring.

More detailed data is available in the Kitsap County COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard (updated weekly).

WHAT CAN THE COMMUNITY DO TO HELP?

We need the help of every Kitsap resident to protect the health of our community and keep our county on track for recovery.

• Get tested as soon as possible if you start feeling sick, even if your symptoms are mild. Health care providers should recommend immediate testing for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms. Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and view a list of local test providers.
  
  
• If you get a call from Kitsap Public Health, please respond. Kitsap Public Health needs community members to actively participate in case investigations and contact tracing so we can prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  
  
• Protect your health and the health of people around you.
  • Stay home if you feel sick, even if your illness is mild.
  • Stay six feet apart from others whenever possible.
  • Avoid crowded areas and gatherings of more than five people.
  • Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a face covering in indoor public spaces and situations where you cannot stay six feet from others.

“This is a pivotal time in our response to this pandemic,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Susan Turner said. “We need to demonstrate that we can work together as a community to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable residents. That starts with each of us taking deliberate steps to safeguard our health and the health of people close to us, most especially avoiding gatherings of more than five people and maintaining six feet of space from others. It also means being compassionate and helpful to fellow community members who are doing their best to navigate these challenging circumstances.”

STAY INFORMED

• Kitsap Public Health COVID-19 Page
• Kitsap County COVID-19 Information
• Washington State COVID-19 Information

MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org