In a Thursday afternoon update, the Kitsap Public Health District has now confirmed 26 negative tests for COVID-19 in the county.

As of Thursday, public health officials have confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in Kitsap County. The number of individuals diagnosed with the illness caused by the novel coronavirus continues to rise across the state. State public health officials have so far identified 366 positive cases of COVID-19 resulting in 29 deaths.

The two individuals in Kitsap County diagnosed with the virus were described as Bainbridge Island residents, in their 60s and 70s. Kitsap Public Health District officials also noted that the two cases were linked and they are working as quickly as possible to notify people identified as having been in close contact with the affected individuals. Close contacts will be instructed to stay home, per department guidelines. In order to protect the affected individuals’ privacy, KPHD stated that it would not be releasing additional details about them unless it is imperative to protect public health.