WSU Kitsap Extension COVID-19 Resources

WSU Kitsap Extension’s Statement on COVID-19

Update 9/3/21: Read the full letter to our volunteers from WSU Extension, with much more information on Washington State’s vaccine mandate for employees, contractors and volunteers.

WSU Kitsap Extension’s office will be closed to the public for an indefinite period beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 due to COVID-19.

In response to the rapidly evolving events surrounding COVID-19 (also called novel coronavirus), Washington State University (our sponsoring institution that houses Washington State Extension) has activated an emergency operations group focused on coordinating the university’s response.

WSU is following guidance from local health departments, the State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding large gatherings, including CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Because our WSU Extension system occupies locations across the State, faculty and staff are attentive to changing local conditions and will exercise information-based judgment to address their situations.

The county public health office is the most reliable source of local information on this topic. Below is the link to our local public health office COVID-19 related updates that we will be supporting: 

• Kitsap County Public Health: https://kitsappublichealth.org/

Along with the public health office recommendations, please know the following:

• An effective strategy for minimizing the spread of the virus is greater social distancing, which can include more effective use of technology. When possible, WSU Extension encourages phone calls or Zoom videoconferences in place of large meetings or face-to-face contact in significant numbers. Attendees may also call-in to videoconferences from any cell or landline.
• Please contact us in advance during regular business hours if you anticipate needing assistance connecting via Zoom.
• Anyone who is sick or exhibiting signs of illness should stay home.
• Decisions on individual 4-H, Master Gardener and other meetings will be made on a case-by-case basis informed by local conditions and advice.
• Currently, older adults and persons with underlying health conditions are considered to be at increased risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Examples of underlying health conditions include heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, people with weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant. The CDC recommends that people in high-risk groups consult with their healthcare provider about attending any large gathering.
• Follow preventive hygiene guidance, including washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into your sleeve or a tissue which you then throw away. Clean and disinfect shared surfaces and objects that are touched frequently.

For any assistance regarding WSU Kitsap Extension programs during this time, please note the following contacts:

• Laura Ryser, Director/Community and Economic Development – laura.ryser@wsu.edu, 360-228-7310
• Hari Stone, Master Gardener Program Coordinator – hari.stone@wsu.edu, 360-228-7306
• Lis Nilsson, 4-H Program Coordinator – elisabeth.nilsson@wsu.edu, 360-228-7307
• Paisley Gallagher, Food Access Program Coordinator / Kitsap Harvest – paisley.gallagher@wsu.edu, 360-228-7302
• Julie Evenson, Extension Coordinator Supervisor SNAP ED – jlevenson@wsu.edu, 360-228-7305
• Amy Smalley, Water Stewardship Program Coordinator – amy.smalley@wsu.edu, 360-228-7303
• Jess Sappington, Food Systems Program Coordinator – jess.sappington@wsu.edu, 360-228-7308

Thank you, and be safe everyone!