How to stay safe as COVID activity increases.

COVID-19 cases, outbreaks, and hospitalizations are increasing in Kitsap County and Washington state (scroll down to the "Trends we are tracking" section for details). With COVID activity on the rise, Kitsap Public Health District recommends residents take additional steps to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19:

CONSIDER WEARING A MASK IN CROWDED INDOOR SPACES

• Consider wearing a high quality, well-fitting mask (such as N95, KN95, or surgical mask) in crowded indoor settings and cramped spaces with poor airflow. Masks provide an added layer of protection and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Our state no longer requires masks in many indoor spaces, such as businesses and schools. However, the state Department of Health recommends masking in crowded indoor spaces. Masks are required in some indoor settings, including healthcare facilities. Organizations can require people to wear masks in their buildings.

• CDC recommends wearing a mask in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, buses, ferries) and transportation hubs (such as airports and ferry terminals).

• Kitsap Public Health has delivered more than 97,500 high quality masks to dozens of organizations throughout Kitsap County. Masks can be accessed at many social services organizations, such as food banks and libraries. If you need help obtaining masks for yourself or an organization, please contact sarah.henley@kitsappublichealth.org or call 360-728-2219.

IMPROVE AIRFLOW IN SPACES WHERE PEOPLE GATHER

• Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 byimproving airflow and air quality in indoor spaces where people are gathering, such as workplaces, community centers, and event venues.

• Simple steps include opening windows or doors. You or your organization may also be able to improve airflow and quality by adjusting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, or by upgrading air filters. Learn more on our new COVID-19 ventilation page.

IF YOU ARE SICK: STAY HOME, TEST, AND TEST AGAIN

• Protect people around you by staying home from work, school, and other activities anytime you feel sick. Test for COVID-19 by using a self-test or going to a testing site. Visit our Get Tested page for details.

• If you get a negative result from a self-test kit, stay home until the next morning and test again. Do not assume you do not have COVID based on one negative self-test result.

• Follow guidance for isolation or quarantineif you test positive or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

• You can still order tests through the stateand federal portals.

• Kitsap Public Health has delivered more than 50,000 self-tests to organizations throughout the county. Tests can be accessed at many social services organizations, such as food banks and libraries. If you need help obtaining tests for yourself or an organization, contact sarah.henley@kitsappublichealth.org or call 360-728-2219.

STAY UP TO DATE ON VACCINATION

• Getting vaccinated and boosted is still the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19.COVID-19 vaccination remains widely available in Kitsap. Kitsap Public Health District offers regular vaccination clinics for ages 5+ in downtown Bremerton. Learn more on our vaccine page, or by calling 360-728-2219.

• Second booster doses are recommended for some groups, including people 50 and older and individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

LEARN ABOUT TREATMENT OPTIONS

• In addition to vaccination, several medications have been authorized to treat symptoms or prevent severe illness in people who are at high risk from COVID-19. Prescriptions are required. Talk to your doctor about available options and eligibility.