Bainbridge Island officials said they are working with the Kitsap Public Health District to respond to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

City officials said they expect Kitsap County to issue a countywide emergency proclamation due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“In that event, the city of Bainbridge Island is preparing to also issue a Proclamation of Local Emergency,” the city said in a press release Monday.

“The purpose of this action is to allow 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,” according to the release.

Bainbridge officials also said they are reviewing the use of public spaces (city hall, police station, municipal court) per guidance from the health district.

The city will announce any changes to access to city facilities, officials said.

A total of 231 people in Washington state are currently under public health supervision due to COVID-19, and the Washington State Department of Health has confirmed 18 cases and five deaths due to the virus.

While the Kitsap health district is the lead agency in the county for a local public health response to the outbreak, Bainbridge officials noted that City Emergency Management Coordinator Anne LeSage has been participating in regular conference calls with the health district and the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management “to get the latest updates and is actively coordinating with other public agencies and resources to plan and prepare for potential next steps in our community.”

Bainbridge also said it was working with the Bainbridge Island School District, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, and the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District and regional health resources “to collaborate and share information and plans.”

The city’s Emergency Operations Center is currently on standby, officials said.

LeSage is monitoring the situation for potential escalation and enhanced activation.

During an emergency, the council chambers at city hall will serve as the city’s Emergency Operations Center, which officials noted is a central location for staff and community partners to meet to gather information and coordinate response and recovery efforts.