City puts plastic bag ban on hold to address COVID-19 safety concerns of workers, residents 

Bremerton, WA (March 27, 2020) – Mayor Greg Wheeler issued an emergency directive today to suspend enforcement of the plastic bag ban due to concerns that reusable bags may spread COVID-19 to shoppers and store staff. 

"While it’s uncertain how long the virus lives on surfaces, I have suspended the plastic bag ban out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of residents and store workers," said Mayor Greg Wheeler. 

Effective today, March 27, grocery and retail stores are permitted to carry single-use plastic bags, and they will not be required to charge an 8-cent fee for bags. 

The suspension of the plastic bag ban will stay in effect until public health conditions improve.

"I’ve determined the ban should be put on hold as soon as possible to swiftly respond to safety concerns in our community," said Mayor Wheeler. 

To view Mayor Wheeler’s Emergency Directive suspending enforcement of the plastic bag ban, see bit.ly/2UohGsz.

For a list of City and community resources on COVID-19, visit www.BremertonWA.gov. For up-to-date Bremerton and Kitsap County health guidance, visit www.kitsappublichealth.org.