Kitsap County Approved to Begin Phase 2 Early

This morning, the Washington State Department of Health notified Kitsap Public Health that Kitsap County’s request was approved to move to an early Phase 2 opening under the state’s “Safe Start” COVID-19 recovery plan.

“This fast response shows Kitsap County successfully met all the state health and safety qualifications for reopening early,” said Mayor Greg Wheeler. “Phase 2 businesses that have put in place the state guidelines for their operations can begin reopening as a result of the decision.”

The State of Washington has provided guidelines for Phase 2 businesses to open their doors. These include maintaining social distancing of 6 feet between staff and customers or clients, and requiring employees to wear cloth facial coverings where applicable.

Businesses that are eligible to open include remaining manufacturing, additional phases of construction, in-home domestic services, retail, professional services/office-based business (telework strongly encouraged), pet grooming (pre-existing customers), hair and nail salons/barbers (pre-existing customers, with no walk-ins). Restaurants and taverns are also able to offer dining at less than 50% capacity.

Moving to the new phase also permits gatherings with up to 5 people outside the household each week. Additionally, 5 or fewer people outside the household can participate in outdoor recreation. On Friday (May 29), the City of Bremerton will make an announcement on park amenities and facilities transitioning to reopen under Phase 2.

“Since March, Bremerton residents have taken extraordinary measures to limit the spread of the illness and protect lives,” said Mayor Wheeler. “Through these herculean efforts, Kitsap County can now proceed to open early in Phase 2. It’s important that individuals continue to practice health and safety measures to prevent a resurgence in infections. Following these personal practices along with the monitoring of case data will be essential to supporting a healthy economic recovery as we move forward in the next phase.”

The Kitsap Public Health Board and the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners voted in support of the county moving to Phase 2 at their meetings yesterday. The request was then submitted to the Washington State Department of Health, which granted its final approval for the county to start the new phase.

More Information

See the Kitsap County Phase 2 approval letter by the Washington State Department of Health.

Find State of Washington guidelines for Phase 2 businesses here. (Note: Click on each business industry to find links to guidelines.)