Resources for Businesses and Community Organizations
Page last updated June 30, 2021 at 1:01 p.m.
We are committed to supporting employers in Whatcom County during this unprecedented challenge of COVID-19. You can find information below that should help answer questions you might have. If you are unable to find the information you need, please contact us:
Effective June 30, businesses, recreation sites, and venues will be open at full capacity (but they must meet workplace safety requirements).The one exception is large indoor events hosting 10,000 or more people. Those will be open at 75% capacity.
The mask mandate is still in effect, and unvaccinated employees still need to wear masks at work. Employers must verify employees’ full vaccination status before allowing them to work without masks. Employers must also be able to provide documentation of these verifications upon request. See our masking page for more details.
Workplace Safety and COVID-19 Prevention Requirements
The workplace safety and coronavirus prevention recommendations and requirements established by WA DOH, OSHA, and L&I are still in effect. Whatcom County's Safer Stronger Together Campaign website has resources for businesses:
We have also developed a guide, COVID Vaccine Employer Resources (PDF), that offers expert advice to help employers support their employees and communicate effectively about COVID-19 vaccination.
We are updating our COVID-19 Vaccine page regularly with information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Whatcom County.
What to Do If a Worker Has COVID-19 or Is a Close Contact
If you have a worker who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or is an unvaccinated close contact of someone with COVID-19, they will need to stay home and not go to work. As an employer, you must also contact our Business Response Team (BRT) so that we can assist you. Contact us:
We will work with you to keep your business open while ensuring the health and safety of your employees.
Employer Tool Kit: What to Do When COVID-19 Comes to Work
Our toolkit has guidance and resources to help your business or organization respond quickly and effectively when a worker has confirmed COVID-19 or has been a close contact.
The "Safer. Stronger. Together." campaign was created to support businesses as we work together to ensure a healthy and welcoming environment for all. The ultimate goal of this campaign is to keep our community healthy while we build consumer confidence and reopen our economy.
For business sector guidance see Tips & Tools. Posters and signage can be downloaded, or you can request the printed materials for free!