09/15/2021
News Release: Kitsap County initiates shift in Quarantine and Isolation services
Update for healthcare and social services providers
Date: September 13, 2021
Kitsap County, Washington - Due to the increase in COVID-19 activity, the increased demand for public quarantine and isolation services, and the lack of available suitable space to expand quarantine and isolation services within Kitsap County, emergency lodging requests will be triaged until further notice. Effective immediately, isolation housing for positive cases will receive priority over quarantine for close contacts. Additionally, those who are homeless or living in congregate living facilities/homeless shelters and who are COVID-positive will receive priority over those who are COVID-positive and live in a home or apartment.
With a limited capacity of emergency lodging available, it is in the best interest of public health to prioritize this protected environment for those with confirmed cases (isolation) over those waiting to learn of test results after having a close contact (quarantine). “The County’s COVID-19 emergency isolation and quarantine program has been, and continues to be, an important resource in our community, especially for our community members with limited resources,” stated Dr. Gib Morrow, Health Officer for the Kitsap Public Health District. “While keeping yourself away from your loved ones while ill or quarantining is difficult, it is an important step in protecting your loved ones and the rest of our community.”
For our partners in both the health care and social service sectors, it is important for you to know that the demand for this critical resource has exceeded our capacity this past week. In response, the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center continues to look to expand it quarantine and isolation lodging capacity. We have also created “Quarantine Kits” that are available to those unable to receive emergency lodging. Access to these kits will be provided through the same referral process used to request emergency lodging and is initiated by the patient’s medical provider. These kits include a thermometer, cleaning products, masks, gloves, and written guidance on how to self-isolate.
As we continue to respond to new challenges of this pandemic, we appreciate the ongoing medical care and social services that you, our partners, are providing here in Kitsap County.
Thank you helping to slow the spread of COVID-19,
Unified Command, Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center