COVID-19 update from the Kitsap EOC - November 18, 2020

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Coronavirus 2

News & Information

COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 2 p.m. Nov. 18

View the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard for the latest data.

DATA UPDATE: Beginning Nov. 18, we are changing the way we report data on people currently affected by COVID-19 in our community. We have replaced the “Active Cases” and “Active Contacts” measure in our daily Surveillance Report with new measures for “Cases in Isolation” and “Close Contacts in Quarantine.” Cases in isolation are confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases who are in their recommended isolation period (10 days after first symptoms). Close contacts in quarantine are residents who were determined to be close contacts of confirmed cases and are in their recommended quarantine period (14 days after last contact with case).

 

COVID-19 daily cases

 

Kitsap Public Health adjusts contact tracing efforts

The recent surge in COVID-19 cases is affecting the way that the Kitsap Public Health District (KPHD) conducts contact tracing.

Previously, KPHD checked in daily with each positive case and each close contact during the time they were advised to stay home and away from others (the "isolation'" period for cases and "quarantine" period for close contacts). In its daily data update, KPHD listed the number of positive cases and close contacts being monitored as "active cases" and "active contacts."

Due to the rapid increase case volume, KPHD has discontinued daily check-ins in order to focus resources on interviewing new cases. Cases are also being asked to reach out to their close contacts directly to notify them of their potential exposure. Because of these changes, the number of cases and contacts being monitored daily by KPHD is no longer a useful measure of people currently affected by COVID-19 in our community.

See the note above the data graphic for an explanation on how these changes will be reflected in the daily COVID-19 surveillance report.

Contact tracing remains one of the best tools we have to control the spread of COVID-19 in our community and prevent more people from getting sick. If you get a call from Kitsap Public Health, please answer.

 

Get insured today at WAhealthplanfinder.org

The 2021 open enrollment period is underway, and Washingtonians are now signing up for health plans, including new Cascade Care health plans. After months of a global pandemic, needs have changed due to job loss, working from home, or family income changes.

Individuals seeking health coverage can now shop more options this year, along with financial assistance, by visiting Washington Healthplanfinder to sign up for health and dental coverage. Read the full news release for more details.

 

Behavioral health resources for your workplace

Impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a surge in behavioral health symptoms across Washington, which is a trend is likely to continue. Several resources are available to help workers and employers understand these impacts and provide or locate support:

Find more resources, including crisis hotlines, at the state COVID-19 well-being website.

COVID-19 Ingredients of Resilience

 

Useful Links