COVID-19
City's COVID-19 test site to reduce operations
Beginning Feb. 1, the City's COVID-19 drive-thru test site will operate only on Mondays and Wednesdays to allow emergency management staff and volunteers to focus on COVID-19 vaccine distribution in our community.
The test site will continue to operate by appointment only 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and will offer 52 appointments per day.
“We are confident with the COVID-19 testing site options still available in Kitsap County that we can begin to transition our efforts to vaccine distribution and the next phase of this pandemic to help our community on a path to recovery,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Anne LeSage who is leading the City’s COVID-19 response.
While the City’s test site operations will reduce from three days to two, there are still test sites open six days a week in Kitsap County for anyone who needs a test.
As of Feb. 1, the community COVID-19 test sites in Kitsap County will include:
- Monday: City of Bainbridge Island (Bainbridge) and Kitsap County Fairgrounds (East Bremerton)
- Tuesday: Kitsap Conference Center (Downtown Bremerton)
- Wednesday: City of Bainbridge Island (Bainbridge)
- Thursday: Kitsap County Fairgrounds (East Bremerton)
- Friday: Poulsbo City Hall (Poulsbo)
- Saturday: Kitsap County Fairgrounds (East Bremerton)
A complete list of the Kitsap County community test sites, registration links, times and addresses can be found here. An appointment is required for all test sites.
A list of medical clinics and pharmacies in Kitsap County offering COVID-19 testing can be found here.
On Tuesday, Jan. 26, staff will provide to City Council a briefing on the City's drive-thru COVID-19 test site and vaccine distribution efforts. You may watch the briefing the following ways:
- Zoom (link will be available in the Jan. 26 City Council agenda)
- City website livestream (visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "In Progress" when the meeting starts)
- BKAT: Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE
State transitions to next phase of COVID-19 vaccination, expanding eligibility to more residents
Graphic courtesy of Kitsap Public Health District
As of Jan. 18, 2021, Washington State is in Phase 1B-Tier 1 of the state COVID-19 vaccine allocation prioritization plan. You can get the vaccine if:
- You are 65 or older
- You are 50 or older living in a multigenerational household (home where individuals from 2 or more generations live, such as an elder or grandchild)
Go to FindYourPhaseWA.org to confirm your eligibility and choose from a list of vaccine providers.
Individuals in Tier 1.A who have not yet been vaccinated are eligible to receive the vaccine moving forward.
Vaccine distribution on Bainbridge Island
The City of Bainbridge Island, in partnership with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department and Bainbridge Prepares, is coordinating with Bainbridge Island Community Pharmacy on COVID-19 vaccine distribution. As of Jan. 18, this partnership has supported the vaccination of approximately 1,000 eligible Phase 1A individuals from Kitsap and surrounding counties. Learn more about vaccine distribution on Bainbridge Island at bainbridgewa.gov/COVIDvaccine..
Roadmap to Recovery: All regions remain in Phase 1
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced on Jan. 15 that based on Governor Jay Inslee’s Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan, all eight regions in Washington will remain in Phase 1 until at least Monday, January 25, 2021.
As outlined in the governor’s COVID-19 plan, regions must meet four metrics in order to move into Phase 2. These metrics provide an overview of current COVID-19 trends and healthcare system readiness in each region. The four metrics are:
- Decreasing trend of 10% or more in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100k population.
- Decreasing trend of 10% or more in two-week rate of new COVID-19 hospitalizations.
- Less than 90% Intensive Care Unit (ICU) occupancy.
- COVID-19 test positivity of less than 10%.
DOH will reassess all the metrics each week and announce any changes to current phase status every Friday. For more detailed information on where each of the eight regions falls with regards to the four metrics visit the DOH website.
.City’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing site now open
The City of Bainbridge Island opened a drive-thru COVID-19 test site at Town Square Nov. 4 to support public health goals and the reopening of schools and businesses in our community.
The test site, located next to City Hall at 280 Madison Ave N, is open by appointment only 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for anyone who:
- Has COVID-19 symptoms
- Has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days
- Has recently traveled to areas with a high prevalence of COVID-19
- Needs a test to return to work.
The testing site started with 24 appointments per day and has now increased to 48 appointments per day.
The City test site is only allowing appointments to be booked up to two weeks in advance. This is to help limit people booking solely for travel and to allow for people who need to be tested because they are symptomatic or a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
The City test site should not be used for pre-travel clearance and is not an approved site for travel to Hawaii.
Volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Bainbridge Prepares, and other emergency management volunteers are overseeing the testing process with support from Emergency Management Coordinator Anne LeSage and COVID-19 Safety Officer Chris Rubin.
Testing site participants must make an appointment online at bainbridgewa.gov/COVIDtest.
Help us spread the word about the state health order requiring masks to be worn in public spaces. Download posters below. If you’d like to pick up posters at City Hall, please call 206-842-7633.
- Don’t breach our state health order. Wear a mask. (11x17 PDF)
- Do your part. Wear a mask. (8.5x11 PDF)
City resumes enforcement of bag ordinance
The City resumed enforcement of its single-use plastic bag ordinance Tuesday, Sept. 1 following approval by the City Council during the Aug. 11 meeting. Enforcement of the single-use plastic bag ban was paused in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to lift the ordinance during the pandemic was made because there were public health concerns around the use of reusable shopping bags and paper bags were difficult for retailers to acquire.
The City implemented the plastic bag ban in 2012 to reduce pollution created by the product and help the environment.
"We are an island in the Puget Sound and every single plastic bag that makes it into the Puget Sound is a tragedy," Councilmember Kirsten Hytopoulos said during the Aug. 11 discussion. "For me, going into our grocery stores and seeing plastic bags available again at the counter has been - quite frankly - shocking."
Paper bags are now more readily available for stores to purchase and use.
When ordering packaging, local businesses selling food should also keep in the mind the requirements of Chapter 8.24 BIMC, which requires the use of biodegradable packaging when selling or conveying food directly to ultimate consumers within the City.
City Hall reopening date pending due to Kitsap County status
The timing of any changes to reopening City facilities will be dependent on the county’s status in the Healthy Washington phased reopening plan.
When the doors reopen to the public at City Hall, you should expect the following changes:
- Plexiglass barriers at front counters
- Directional signage for movement of staff and visitors
- Six feet floor markings and stanchions to guide visitors
- New, lower occupancy limits for conference rooms
City Police personnel and Public Works Operations and Maintenance crews will continue to perform their regular duties, within the limitations established by the current restrictions. The Municipal Court will remain closed to in-person appearances until further orders of the Washington State Supreme Court. See the "City Operations" tab below for more information on City services.
City dock reopens to recreational guest moorage
The City reopened its dock May 29 to recreational guest moorage, including overnight stays, as part of Kitsap County’s transition into Phase 2 of the Safe Start plan for COVID-19 recovery.
What guests need to know:
- The moorage is assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- At this time, rafting (to accommodate additional boats) will not be allowed.
- The showers remain closed to guests.
- The sewage pumpout station remains available.
All City dock visitors are urged to follow public health guidance, which includes wearing a face covering and maintaining six feet of distance from others in public whenever possible.
The launch ramp and boat trailer parking at Waterfront Park reopened May 5.
Community Resources
Learn about food and rental assistance, updates on Bainbridge businesses, status of other government agencies, utility assistance and more on the City’s COVID-19 Community Resources page here.
The City’s key Emergency Operations Center (EOC) personnel remains on call 24/7 in case the situation changes, and will continue biweekly meetings with our community partners.
The City's EOC manages and prioritizes resource requests across the community, and coordinates additional communication and outreach. During this time of uncertainty, the City is focused on three main goals:
- Support public health guidance
- The City is working to support the public health emphasis on slowing the speed of transmission of COVID-19.
- Support the community
- As the lead emergency response agency, the City will continue to be a resource for community partners and manage the work to address requests for resources and planning.
- Continuance of City services
- The City aims to provide essential municipal services that are fundamental to the community, such as Police services and support for utilities and other public infrastructure.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Bainbridge Prepares volunteers will accept protective equipment donations for health care workers at City Hall by appointment only. Please email bpresponse@bainbridgewa.gov to schedule an appointment.
Supplies are currently limited due to impacts on manufacturing and the increase in global demand. Thank you to the many community members who have stepped up to help with this effort!
Below are specific items that are still needed to ensure the safety of Bainbridge Island health care workers and their patients:
- N95 respirators (a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles – see here)
- Surgical masks
- Safety goggles
- Medical gowns
- Face shields
The EOC has fulfilled nearly 70 resource requests for the community. This includes the delivery of protective equipment to several critical island organizations such as Bainbridge Pediatrics, Bainbridge Island Senior Living, Virginia Mason, and more.
The EOC has also provided supplies to Helpline House, Community Pharmacy, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other businesses throughout the island that remain open to provide essential services. Many of the current community requests are for hand sanitizer to protect staff and volunteers.
On Monday, March 9, the City issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the Kitsap Public Health District’s March 8 confirmation of the county’s first positive COVID-19 case on Bainbridge Island. The proclamation allows the City to use all resources necessary to prepare for and respond to an outbreak, to adjust City policies and operations if needed, and to access state or federal funds and other resources related to emergency response. Read the proclamation here.
City Manager’s Report
- Read City Manager Morgan Smith’s weekly updates here.
City Operations
At this time, the City of Bainbridge Island’s reopening is pending due to the status of the Kitsap County Phase 3 application.
The public can still access many City services by phone and online. City staff remains available to respond through email and phone. City Police personnel and Public Works Operations and Maintenance crews will continue to perform their regular duties, within the limitations established by the current restrictions.
- Please see the Municipal Court webpage for the latest information on hours and services. Passport processing is suspended. Telephone and email clerk service is available weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Police Station lobby is closed to the public. If you need to report a crime or speak to an officer for any reason, please call 911. For other questions or assistance, you may call the station office at 206-842-5211. Office staff is available to answer your calls between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you get voice mail during this time, please leave a message and staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
Planning & Community Development
- Planning and Community Development (PCD) now requires appointments for the submittal of building and land use permits to make the process more efficient for staff and applicants. The department will offer seven phone appointments daily for a total of 35 per week. Please visit the PCD webpage to schedule an appointment.
- Building inspections can be scheduled by emailing inspections@bainbridgewa.gov or by calling 206-780-3789. Read the April 27 COVID-19 building construction and inspection program update here.
Public Works – Operations & Maintenance
- Staff is available to respond by phone at 206-842-1212 or email at pwom@bainbridgewa.gov. As part of our usual process, please call 911 for emergencies and after hours. Report non-emergencies through SeeClickFix.
Public Works – Engineering & Water Resources
- Staff is available by phone at 206-842-2016 or send an email to pwadmin@bainbridgewa.gov.
- Inspections can be scheduled by emailing pwinspections@bainbridgewa.gov or by calling 206-780-3788.
- Development Engineering
- Counter hours are suspended until further notice. Please send all questions (with “DE Question” in the subject line) to pwinspections@bainbridgewa.gov. A Development Engineering staff member will respond within 5 business days.
- Project support
- For all inspections, see above. Inspections will not be scheduled sooner than 2 business days after receipt of a request if received prior to noon, or 3 business days if received after noon. Appointment times may be longer depending on availability.
- For projects currently under review, contact the assigned Development Engineering staff. For submittals or resubmittals, please contact PCD.
Finance & Administrative Services
- We are not accepting in-person payments at this time. If you need to make a payment while City Hall is closed, we have several options available:
- Court fines and certain planning/building permits (For questions regarding available payment options for your permit, contact Planning & Community Development at 206-780-3750)
- Tenants of Dave Ullin Open Water Marina payment options for moorage fees:
- Call the front desk at 206-842-7633 to pay with credit or debit card.
- Use the drop box outside City Hall.
- Utility billing
- Payments can be made online at cityofbi.afts.com or by phone at 206-521-5127.
- If you have any billing questions, please email finance@bainbridgewa.gov or call 206-780-8603.
Status of City parks
Effective May 5, the City removed restrictions on vehicle access to City-owned park properties. Previously, the City closed both Pritchard Park and John T. Nelson Park at Strawberry Cannery Cove to vehicle access. As of May 5, vehicle access is allowed. Park users are reminded to follow all social distancing guidelines, and to only park vehicles in designated parking areas. For updates on other Bainbridge parks, please see the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District website.
Kitsap Public Health Update
Click here for the latest COVID-19 test results and health information from Kitsap Public Health.
Health Information
- Kitsap Public Health District
- Public Health - Seattle & King County
- Washington State Department of Health
- Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)
Cloth face coverings now required to prevent spread of COVID-19As of June 26, every person in Washington State must wear a facial covering that covers their nose and mouth when in any indoor or outdoor public setting. Order 20-03 was issued in response to reports of cases increasing throughout the state.
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 guidelines and how to create your own mask here.
For Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 press conference coverage, please visit TVW’s website.
Governor Updates
- As of June 26, every person in Washington State must wear a facial covering that covers their nose and mouth when in any indoor or outdoor public setting. Order 20-03 was issued in response to reports of cases increasing throughout the state.
- 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 here.
- April 27: Gov. Jay Inslee announced a partial re-opening of some outdoor recreation activities. As of Tuesday, May 5, some outdoor recreation will be allowed with appropriate safety precautions, including: fishing; hunting; playing golf; and day use at state parks, state public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and at state Fish and Wildlife areas. Read the full announcement here or watch here.
- April 24: Gov. Jay Inslee, in consultation with the state’s construction industry, announced a plan April 24 to allow current construction projects to be completed. The recommendations were informed by workers, contractors, health and safety experts, and local government officials, for safe construction standards. Read the full plan on the governor’s Medium page.
- April 21: Gov. Jay Inslee announced in a televised address on the evening of April 21 his vision for the eventual safe return to public life amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Watch the announcement here.
- April 16: Gov. Jay Inslee expanded protections for renters today as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of Washingtonians statewide. Inslee’s new proclamation extends and expands the original order through June 4th.
- April 6: Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced April 6 the extension 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 governor’s original order on March 13.
- April 2: Gov. Jay Inslee extended the ’Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order to May 4. Read the update here.
- The Governor 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 here.The governor’s office has provided guidance for businesses that want to request inclusion and individuals who want to report suspected violations of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
- 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 here.
- March 30: Gov. Jay Inslee provided enforcement guidance on ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. Read here.
- March 25: Gov. Jay Inslee announced new measures March 25 to combat COVID-19 and released additional guidance for construction in his ’Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. Get the details here.
- March 23: On the evening of Monday, March 23, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order requesting all Washington residents 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 order here.
- March 18: On Wednesday, March 18, the Governor announced relief for businesses, workers, renters, and more in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more here.
- March 16: On Monday, 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 here.
- Gov. Jay Inslee signed several executive orders to expand statewide closures of schools, limit large gatherings and expand protocols for adult family homes. Read here.
- For state resources related to COVID-19, visit the governor’s coronavirus page.
Stay Informed
- Nixle: Sign up for free emergency alerts from the City of Bainbridge Island. Text 98110 to 888777 to opt-in or visit the Nixle website.
- News Flash: Sign up for free email alerts when significant information is posted to the City’s website.
- City Manager’s Report: Sign up for a weekly email newsletter with information about COVID-19 updates and City topics (remember to look for a confirmation email, which might go to your junk folder).
- Kitsap County alerts: Sign up to get COVID-19 updates from Kitsap County by email or text.
- King County alerts: Sign up to get COVID-19 alerts from Public Health – Seattle & King County
Previous City of Bainbridge Island Updates:
- August 14: City to resume enforcement of bag ordinance
- June 12: City Council approves resolution to encourage face coverings
- March 23: Governor Inslee orders residents to stay at home as COVID-19 spreads
- March 18: City seeking personal protective equipment donations for health care workers
- March 16: Municipal Court limits operations amid COVID-19 concerns
- March 13: City implements temporary closure of some facilities amid COVID-19 concerns
- March 10: Kitsap Public Health confirms second COVID-19 case on Bainbridge Island
- March 9: City issues proclamation of local emergency on COVID-19
- March 8: Kitsap Public Health confirms county’s first positive COVID-19 case on Bainbridge Island
- March 6 & 5: Update: City response to coronavirus outbreak
- March 2: City staff monitoring coronavirus outbreak