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COVID-19

Local and State Resource Websites

  • Washington State Coronavirus Response: opens in a new windowhttps://www.coronavirus.wa.gov/
  • Washington Department of Health operates a coronavirus hotline, with multiple language assistance, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 1-800-525-0127. For interpretative services, press # when they answer and say your language. For questions about your own health, COVID-19 testing, or testing results, please contact your health care provider. Nuestra línea directa tiene acceso a servicios de interpretación telefónica en su idioma. Llame al 1-800-525-0127 y pulse #, cuando respondan, diga su idioma.
  • Kitsap Public Health District Response:  opens in a new windowhttps://kitsappublichealth.org/CommunityHealth/CoronaVirus.php
  • Travel Advisories: opens in a new windowhttps://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
  • Homebound and looking for help? Wanting to help deliver groceries? A new Poulsbo HELP Line has been created to connect those who want to help with those who need some assistance. Click here for more details on the Poulsbo HELP Line.
  • Gateway Fellowship in Poulsbo is opening its doors, on Monday, to the homeless and hungry in the North Kitsap area. Day shelter and community kitchen will be open 7 days a week from 11am to 3pm. Call the City’s volunteer HELP line for more information 360-517-5037. Meals served at 11:30 a.m. daily.

Kitsap Public Health reports total positive COVID-19 cases daily at 2:00 p.m. Click opens in a new windowhere for the latest COVID-19 test results and health information from Kitsap Public Health.

Face Mask Order: Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman today announced a statewide mandatory face covering order that will take effect Friday, June 26. opens in a new windowClick here to learn more.

How to make a face mask: Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, shares ways to create your own face covering in a few easy steps. opens in a new windowClick here to watch the video.

Facial Covering Guidance – the plain talk facial covering / mask guidance is now online. Here’s a link to the PDF: https://www.lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/F414-168-000.pdf.

Phase 2 – Kitsap County opens in a new windowreceived approval on May 28 to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the governor’s Safe Start plan for COVID-19 recovery. This means some additional businesses and activities can resume, with limitations and safety measures in effect. Find a opens in a new windowfull list here.

Recovery Playbook – Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management has created a opens in a new windowKitsap County Pathway to Recovery Playbook which provides guidance for individuals and employers.

“Safe Start – Stay Health” County-by-County Phased Reopening
Gov. Jay Inslee announced May 29 the transition from “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” to “Safe Start – Stay Health” county-by-county phased reopening. Learn more about the Governor’s announcement and phased approach to lifting restrictions opens in a new windowhere.

Updated symptoms of COVID-19 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its  opens in a new windowofficial list of COVID-19 symptoms. This is in addition to the previous official symptoms: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The newly-added symptoms are:

  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Kitsap County Eats – a local opens in a new windowwebsite that shows which local restaurants are offering take-out and delivery.

Cloth face coverings recommended –  The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommend people wear cloth face coverings when they are in public places and can’t stay at least six feet away from others. This might include trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, health clinic or similar places. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent the spread of COVID-19 without use of other protective measures. It is critical to stay home whenever possible, wash hands often, and disinfect frequently used objects. Learn more about the CDC guidelines and how to create your own mask opens in a new windowhere. DOH has also created a guidance document on face coverings opens in a new windowhere.

Heart attack and stroke don’t stop for COVID-19 – Hospitals across the country report a drop in the number of emergency room visits for heart attacks and strokes. Avoiding the hospital in an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19 could be a deadly decision. If you or someone you know is exhibiting stroke or heart attack symptoms, it’s vitally important to get medical care right away. Call 911 if you or someone you know experiences a life-threatening emergency. Learn more from the Washington Department of Health.View information in Spanish on when to go to the emergency room: Cuándo ir a la sala de emergencias

Event Cancellations – Special events will be cancelled in the City of Poulsbo through August 1, 2020. Petswalk will be a virtual event in June.

Closures and Cancellations

City Hall Closures

  • Poulsbo City Hall Closing Public Counters to the Public Effective March 23, 2020, Revised Press Release March 23, 2020
  • Memo from the Poulsbo Building Department regarding building permits during the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.
    • Poulsbo Police Department
      • Even though the administration office is closed, police officers continue to patrol our community and respond to emergencies. Emergencies and in-progress crimes should be reported by calling 9-1-1. General business will be conducted by phone.
      • We encourage our community members to use our online services:
        Please use online reporting for incidents that are not emergencies, or that are no longer in progress. Online reporting can be accessed at http://www.kitsap911.org/online-incident-report/.
        The Poulsbo Police Department is monitoring the situation closely. Public safety is our number one priority. We want to thank our community for their understanding and cooperation as we all do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
    • Utility Payments – Temporary Billing Change
    • Planning & Economic Development Department remains operational.The department remains operational and stand ready to work with you to accomplish your land use and development goals.  While they are working from home per Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home and Stay Healthy” order, the PED team is available to connect with you via email, phone or virtual meetings.  Please see our contact information at  https://cityofpoulsbo.com/planning-economic-development/ and reach out with any questions.
    • Effective March 23, 2020, Public Works is temporarily suspending its “Free Dumpster” and “Dumpster Rental Program” until the end of April to help facilitate the workload out at the main Transfer Station.
    • Poulsbo Parks and trails are still open – please maintain social distancing measures. Restrooms are closed.

Social Security Offices Closed as of March 17

Passport Services – City Hall is not open to process new passports, and passport services in Seattle are available only for LIFE/DEATH cases on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Click opens in a new windowhere to learn more.

Postponed & Cancelled Events – all special events cancelled in Poulsbo through August 1, 2020

  • Viking Fest May 15-17 – cancelled. opens in a new windowClick here for more details.
  • Viking Fest Road Race – cancelled
  • Day of Positivity – cancelled
  • Viking Tour will reschedule for August 2020.
  • PetsWalk will be a virtual event running through the month of June.
  • 3rd of July – cancelled
Community Resources

Resources

  • Homebound and looking for help? Wanting to help deliver groceries? The City of Poulsbo’s volunteer coordination HELP line is now in service.  360-517-5037. This number is a way for homebound people in Poulsbo to request non-emergency, non-medical help from individuals and organizations (deliveries, meals, errands). Please spread the word about this number, particularly to anyone in Poulsbo who you think may be vulnerable and isolated. Interested in volunteering? We’d welcome your help! Please use this number to let us know how you might assist.
  • opens in a new windowFishline – opens in a new windowMarket and Client Service Changes Effective March 16, 2020
  • Gateway Fellowship in Poulsbo is opening its doors, on Monday, to the homeless and hungry in the North Kitsap area. Day shelter and community kitchen will be open 7 days a week from 11am to 3pm. Call the City’s volunteer HELP line for more information 360-517-5037. Meals served at 11:30 a.m. daily.
  • Puget Sound Energy
    • PSE will not be disconnecting customers during this time.
    • PSE received approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission for a waiver that allows PSE to waive late fees.
  • Central Market – opens in a new windowAlerts
    • Store hours have temporarily changed to 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
    • They are also hiring temporary workers. opens in a new windowClick here for more info.
    • Starting March 23, they will be reserving 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for senior and at-risk customers.
    • Staff will bag all groceries in unused plastic bags only. No reusable bags.
    • Wait lists have also been implemented for busy hours so help facilitate social distancing.
  • Costco
    • Beginning March 30, U.S. Costco locations will temporarily implement new weekday closing hours.
    • Special Operating Hours for Members 60 and over – Monday-Friday Costco warehouses will open from 9 to 10 a.m. for members ages 60 and older, and for those with physical impairments (no guests). During this early hour, the pharmacy will be open, but the Costco Food Court will not.
    • Effective April 3, Costco will allow no more than two people to enter the warehouse with each membership card. This temporary change is for your safety and the safety of our employees and other members, and to further assist with our social distancing efforts.
    • Effective May 4, face masks are required by all employees and customers.
  • Safeway
    • Safeway has set special hours to allow seniors and people who have serious chronic medical conditions to do their shopping. The store has reserved 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During this time, people are asked to avoid shopping at the store so that seniors, those who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems can shop.
  • Walmart – Effective April 4, 2020, changes to shopping process at Walmart stores.
  • opens in a new window“Kroger limiting the number of shoppers in stores to encourage social distancing” – King5News 04/07/2020
  • Report price gouging – report price gouging in three easy steps: “See It, Snap It, Send It.” If you see price gouging, snap a photo or take a screenshot, and then include the image with the complaint at the opens in a new windowAttorney General’s website.

Community Updates

North Kitsap School District

Public schools will stay closed for rest of academic year  – Today Governor Jay Inslee and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced that Washington schools will stay closed through the end of the academic year. Distance learning will continue, and schools are expected to resume on a normal schedule this fall. Read the press release.

Kitsap Regional Library – The Poulsbo Library was already closed for a refresh project, but all other libraries are closed until May 31. Click here for more details.

Washington State Ferries

  • Washington State Ferries is temporarily reducing service on the Seattle/Bainbridge route beginning on Sunday, March 29 due to significant declines in ridership. The reductions are tentatively scheduled to last through April 25.The following. Get more information about WSF service adjustments opens in a new windowhere.
  • All galleys on Washington State Ferries vessels will be closed starting Tuesday, March 17.
  • Washington State Ferries will extend its current winter sailing schedule through the end of April due to declines in ridership from COVID-19. The spring sailing schedule will now tentatively begin on April 26 rather than March 29. Customers should continue following the winter schedule. Read more  opens in a new windowhere.

Kitsap Transit continues to be fare-free through May. Starting on Wednesday, April 1, Kitsap Transit is reducing Routed bus services temporarily by more than 30 percent. Click here to learn more details.

Health Information

Washington Department of Health operates a coronavirus hotline, with multiple language assistance, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 1-800-525-0127.

Kitsap Public Health updates positive COVID-19 cases daily at 2:00 p.m. Click opens in a new windowhere for the latest COVID-19 test results and health information from Kitsap Public Health.

Updated symptoms of COVID-19 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its  opens in a new windowofficial list of COVID-19 symptoms. This is in addition to the previous official symptoms: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The newly-added symptoms are:

  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Local Health Officer Directives for Employers, Employees, and the Public: Dr. Susan Turner, Kitsap County Health Officer, released this letter to the public on March 25, 2020, regarding COVID-19 in Kitsap County.

Health Information

The Washington State Insurance Commissioner has instructed health plans to allow for one-time early refill for most prescriptions. You should check with your health plan if you have questions about whether or not your prescription is included. Information here.

Business & Unemployment Resources

Business Resources

  • Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program – A limited number of grants (up to $10,000) are available to small businesses with up to 10 employees.To apply please visit: http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/links/crisis/covid-19-resources/. For more information, check out the Small Business Administration website. Governor Inslee also recommended checking out the Office of Civil Legal Aid for help with foreclosures and evictions.
  • Kitsap Economic Development Alliance – Questions about your business? opens in a new windowClick here to join KEDA’s Weekly Webinars, and access their COVID-19 page for the latest updates,information, reliable local, regional, state & national resources for businesses.
  • Is your business essential? Do you need to know if your business is essential or non-essential? Please send use this opens in a new windowweb form for guidance.

  • BLS will not auto-terminate expired licenses through May 31, 2020 – The Business Licensing Service (BLS) will not automatically terminate expired license endorsements through May 31, 2020. BLS is waiving late filing penalties under the extension of the governor’s Proclamation 20-20. BLS is suspending the automated process of closing delinquent BLS license endorsements through this month. May 31 is the last day of the temporary BLS policy announced in conjunction with the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order in Washington state. The Department of Revenue maintains updated business relief information at dor.wa.gov/taxrelief.

Unemployment Resources

Unemployment Claim Scams
There are reports of new cases of identity theft related to the recent unemployment benefits going out to people due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’ve been informed of a fraudulent unemployment claim in your name, you should do the following:

The best way to stay up to date on information about, updates to, and instructions on how to access Unemployment Insurance related to the COVID-19 outbreak is by subscribing to opens in a new windowESD’s COVID-19 action alerts.

You can also help your application process by doing these four things:

  1. Start with  opens in a new windowthe website first before calling. The website is being updating the information regularly on their website and making it much easier to understand.
  2. Apply online if you can and read the information on the website before you apply. It will help applicants from getting stuck.
  3. Sign up for  opens in a new windowESD’s COVID-19 action alerts for the most up-to-date information and changes.
  4. Apply for a job with ESD!  opens in a new windowHere’s a flyer with more information. They have amazing telework opportunities available on their customer service teams and, as you can tell from the volume, they need the help. These jobs can be done from anywhere in the state!

Key resources

  • COVID-19 Page and FAQ – ESD has accumulated the top questions from businesses and claimants. This is an evolving treasure trove of answers and it is being updated daily. Please email  esdconstituentservices@esd.wa.gov if you have a question not yet listed.
  • Checklist for Applying for Unemployment Insurance – To help smooth your application process, please use the opens in a new windowUI Checklist first.
  • SharedWork – This is a powerful tool for your businesses to reduce their staff’s hours without having to lay them off. They can reduce the staff hours 10-50% and have Unemployment Insurance provide partial wage replacement for those reduced hours. New emergency rules are being announced for the program to include overtime exempt employees. These rules also allow new businesses as well as those who have outstanding debt to participate. Additionally, with the new Federal legislation, 100% of SharedWork costs will be covered by the Federal Government, therefore not affecting businesses’ experience rates. More information about SharedWork, including an online application, can be found opens in a new windowhere.

Recent changes to Unemployment Insurance – Reflecting ESD’s goal to make UI available for as many people as possible, the department, in consultation with the Governor, has made the following changes to their traditional program:

  • Allowed more workers to access standby status for longer periods – standby allows an employer to temporarily lay off some or all of their workforce. They’ve expanded it to include part-time or less than full-time workers and extended it from 4 to 12 weeks.
  • Made job search requirements optional – while many employers are hiring, they recognize this situation makes it difficult for some to conduct a thorough job search.
  • Lowered the tax impact to businesses who utilize their programs.
  • Waived the traditional waiting week – getting more money into people’s pockets faster.
  • Relaxed penalties and fees for employers and workers who miss key deadlines due to the COVID crisis.

Phone and claims center volumes – As you can imagine, this many workers accessing the Unemployment Insurance system is creating congestion in the claims centers. Much of the process is automated through their computer system. This allows many people to access benefits without ever having to speak with staff. However, there are a number of issues that may arise which require a claimant to call the claims center and speak with an agent. The best thing people can do is read through their checklists and materials, found at opens in a new windowesd.wa.gov/unemployment, and be as prepared as possible before applying online. Mistakes in an application are a major driver for requiring individuals to call in.

Federal Stimulus

ESD is evaluating the federal legislation, and it appears to be a positive and important step toward meeting this agency’s priorities and – most importantly – the needs of Washingtonians. It will take about 3 weeks to get the Unemployment Assistance portion of the legislation up and running to serve the enormous number of people who will need it. One thing that people can do to stay up-to-date is sign up for opens in a new windowESD’s COVID-19 action alerts. They will use this channel, as well as their social media channels opens in a new window@ESDWAWorks, to provide regular updates as this situation quickly evolves.

ESD is working on a full analysis of the benefits that both Federal Legislative packages affords to businesses and workers. What is clear from the most recent Federal Legislative package is that it will allow for coverage of more people and give them more money for longer periods of time. Some highlights related to Unemployment Assistance:

  • It would extend unemployment assistance to those who are not currently eligible for Unemployment Insurance and are impacted by COVID-19 (ie. self-employed and those who’ve worked fewer than 680 hours in the past 12 months)
  • It will increase the weekly benefit amount for everyone on unemployment assistance by $600/week through end of July
  • It extends benefits for an additional 13 weeks

And then, separately, the U.S. Treasury will be providing $1200/person for those who make $75K or less or $2400/married couple who file jointly for wages of $150k or less – plus $500/child under 17. ESD knows there are many questions and they expect to be able to answer people’s questions soon about expanded eligibility and benefits.

City Response

City Response

The City activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on March 16 to manage and prioritize resource requests across the community, and to coordinate additional communication and outreach. The City is focused on three main goals: Continuance of City services, support public health guidance, and support the community.

Other City Response

Governor's Orders

Governor Orders

  • June 2: Gov. Inslee announced Proclamation 20-19.2 Evictions and Related Housing Practices
  • May 29: Gov. Jay Inslee announced the “Safe Start – Stay Healthy” county-by-county phased reopening. Learn more about this announcement by clicking opens in a new windowhere.
  • May 29: Gov. Inslee amended and extended Proclamations 20-05, 20-28-28.1, 28.2, and 28.3 – Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act 20-28.4
  • May 1: Gov. Jay Inslee announced May 1 an extension of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order through May 31 and the implementation of a four-phase approach to reopening businesses and modifying physical distancing measures that begins May 5. Learn more about the Governor’s announcement and phased approach to lifting restrictions opens in a new windowhere.
  • April 27: Gov. Jay Inslee announced today  opens in a new windowan easing of outdoor recreation restrictions starting Tuesday, May 5.
  • April 24: Construction Start Plan – Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that certain low-risk construction projects can restart as long as they comply with the COVID-19 Safety Plan.
  • April 16: Proclamation 20-19.1 – COVID-19 Moratorium on Evictions Extension remains in effect until June 4.
  • April 6: Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced April 6 the opens in a new windowextension of school closures for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The order keeps both public and private schools closed in accordance with the opens in a new windowgovernor’s original order on March 13.
  • Extended Governor’s Orders – Gov. Jay Inslee has extended the ‘ opens in a new windowStay Home, Stay Healthy’ order until May 4. He is requesting all Washington residents stay home to reduce physical interaction to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. To learn what is considered an essential service, read the statewide order opens in a new windowhere. The governor’s office has provided guidance for businesses that opens in a new windowwant to request inclusion and individuals who want to opens in a new windowreport suspected violations of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
  • April 2: Gov. Jay Inslee extended the ’Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order to May 4. Read the update opens in a new windowhere.
  • March 31: The governor provided additional guidance on essential services, such as nannies (deemed essential if they are in the home taking care of children of essential workers), automotive repair facilities and limited automotive sales and leasing activities, and renewable energies. The bulletin also includes guidance on several recreational activities not deemed essential, such as recreational fishing and golf. Read the bulletin opens in a new windowhere.
  • March 30: Gov. Jay Inslee provided enforcement guidance on ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. Read opens in a new windowhere.
  • March 25: Gov. Jay Inslee announced new measures March 25 to combat COVID-19 and released additional guidance for construction in his ’ opens in a new windowStay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. Get the details opens in a new windowhere.
  • March 23: Gov. Jay Inslee issued a ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order requesting all Washington residents to stay at home to reduce physical interactions as much as possible to stop the spread of COVID-19. The order is effective immediately and any non-essential businesses still operating must close in 48 hours. The order will remain in place for at least two weeks. Read the statewide order opens in a new windowhere.
  • March 18: the Governor announced relief for businesses, workers, renters, and more in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more opens in a new windowhere.
  • March 16: Gov. Jay Inslee announced a statewide emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities to expand protections against COVID-19. Read opens in a new windowhere.
  • Gov. Jay Inslee signed several executive orders to expand statewide closures of schools, limit large gatherings and expand protocols for adult family homes. Read  opens in a new windowhere.
  • For state resources related to COVID-19, visit the governor’s coronavirus page.
Stay Informed

Stay Informed: