Dec. 29, 2021

Kitsap County experiencing new wave of COVID-19 cases

Rate of cases reported doubled in the most recent week. Kitsap Public Health returning to daily surveillance report updates. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Kitsap Public Health District officials are calling on residents to recommit to fighting the spread of COVID-19, as the rate of cases reported in the county has spiked in recent days.

The rate of new cases reported in Kitsap County more than doubled in the most recent week. Kitsap's seven-day case rate per 100,000 population jumped from 112 on Dec. 18 to 249 on Dec. 24, and is expected to continue climbing. (Case rates are delayed by five days to improve accuracy.)

Kitsap's rate of cases per 100,000 population has reached the highest level since September and is expected to keep climbing.

The surge comes in the midst of the winter holiday season and just as the first detected case of the Omicron variant in Kitsap County was confirmed. Other Puget Sound counties are experiencing rapid growth in cases and COVID-19 activity is high throughout most of the United States. Recent case increases are driven by Omicron, which is believed to spread much more easily than earlier COVID-19 variants. 

"With the arrival of Omicron, we all will be at risk for contracting COVID in coming weeks," Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. "Getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect your health and stay out of the hospital. If you are already vaccinated, get a booster shot as soon as you can."

A significant number of recent cases in Kitsap are connected to clusters of cases within organizations. This week, Kitsap Public Health is responding to about 30 outbreaks in the community, including outbreaks linked to high school basketball and wrestling programs. 

Dr. Morrow said the new wave of cases has the potential to overwhelm our already-strained healthcare system and challenge the ability for schools to continue in-person learning. 

"I know we are all tired of COVID, but this new surge in cases cannot be ignored," Dr. Morrow said. "We need to recommit to taking basic steps to prevent the spread of the virus for the sake of our families, our schools, our hospitals, our businesses, and ourselves."

Kitsap Public Health to resume daily data reporting

In response to the sudden increase in cases and what is predicted to be a sustained wave of Omicron activity, Kitsap Public Health will resume daily updates to its COVID-19 Surveillance Report for the month of January.

The Surveillance Report and other COVID-19 data dashboards will be updated Thursday, Dec. 30. The Surveillance Report will be updated every weekday, beginning Monday, Jan. 3. 

Fighting the spread of Omicron

• 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. 
  
  
• 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. 
  
  
• 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. 
  
  
• Washing hands: Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Carry hand sanitizer with you. 
  
  
• 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.
   
• 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.

UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION The CDC and Washington State Department of Health adopted new guidance for what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Find the new guidance here >>

🩹 BOOK A COVID-19 VACCINATION APPOINTMENT

• vaccines.gov | Federal vaccine finder tool updated by providers (you can use it to find your flu shot too!) 
• vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov | State vaccine finder tool updated by providers.
• List of Kitsap vaccine providers | PDF list updated by Kitsap Public Health
• List of Kitsap vaccine providers for ages 5-11 | PDF list updated by Kitsap Public Health

🧪 FIND COVID-19 TESTING

• List of Kitsap testing providers updated by Kitsap Public Health
• Drive-through testing sites operated by Kitsap Public Health (note holiday closures)
• Some pharmacies and online vendors may have over-the-counter test kits available
• Testing information guidance from the CDC

QUESTIONS? Email pio@kitsappublichealth.org or call 360-728-2219