Kitsap County
3/2/2020
Kitsap County residents should take steps to prevent spread of COVID-19
KITSAP COUNTY, WA -- The Kitsap Public Health District is advising community members to take steps to protect their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
No cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Kitsap County as of noon on Monday. However, public health officials have confirmed COVID-19 is spreading in Washington state and Kitsap residents should be prepared for community spread in our county. This is a rapidly changing situation.
“We know people are concerned with the spread of COVID-19 in our region and we are taking the risk to our community very seriously," Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Susan Turner said. "We ask that community members stay calm, stay informed and take steps to protect their health and the health of those around them."
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by novel coronavirus. Common symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Most people with COVID-19 have experienced mild illness similar to a cold. Some groups, including older adults and people with underlying health conditions, are at higher risk of severe illness.
STEPS TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Everyone should take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid touching your face
Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home when you or a family member is sick
Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces
People with mild symptoms should stay home and rest. People who are severely ill or at high risk for severe illness should stay home and call their health care provider.
Public health officials do not recommend healthy people wear masks to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. People who are sick should wear masks when they are seeking medical care. It is important that supplies of masks and other personal protective equipment remain available for health care providers who are evaluating and treating ill people.
PLANNING FOR COVID-19 SPREAD
Public health officials believe COVID-19 will continue to spread in Washington. Kitsap residents should make plans in case additional prevention strategies are recommended. These strategies could include telecommuting, avoiding large gatherings, and closure of schools and other institutions. Kitsap Public Health recommends people have a plan for how they would adjust their work and home routines to accommodate these changes. Find additional guidance at doh.wa.gov/coronavirus.
COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESOURCES
The following websites are the best sources for COVID-19 updates and resources:
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MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org