Testing down in Kitsap despite high numbers

Kitsap County reached two major COVID-19 vaccination milestones last week.

More than 80% of county residents age 5 and older who are eligible for vaccination have received at least one dose of COVID vaccine. More than 75% of all Kitsap residents have started vaccination. About 68% have completed their initial vaccine series and 30% have received a booster, according to Kitsap Public Health District.

Demand for testing has declinded substantially at drive-through sites. Book an appointment at kcowa.us/covidtesting. For other testing options go to kcowa.us/gettested.

COVID activity remains high, but could be peaking, KPHD reports.

The state already has run out of COVID tests it starting sending free to homes. The state expects to receive more tests and will resume taking orders at sayyescovidhometest.org.

To order free tests from the federal system go to covidtests.gov

If you receive a positive test result from a self-test kit report it to the state Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127.

Health experts continue to recommend surgical or KN95 or N95 respirators masks, but cloth is better than nothing, although they should be cleaned frequently. The federal system plans to distribute masks through pharmacies and community health centers.