Last updated July 7, 2020 at 11:00 am 

On May 1, Governor Inslee outlined his phased “Safe Start” approach for resuming recreational, social, and business activities. To support the business community in their reopening efforts, a Whatcom County COVID Employer Support Task Force was established. 

The Task Force works within the framework of Washington’s Safe Start approach for reopening businesses and develops a set of best practices and guidelines for ensuring businesses have measures in place to protect their employees, customers, and clients from the risk of infection with COVID-19. We’re all in this together and we’re here to support you by providing you with the most up-to-date guidance and resources to help in your planning efforts.

Resources for All Businesses and Community Organizations

A lot of information exists to help businesses reopen, so we’ve created a single place to connect you to the best resources we’ve found to guide you through reopening. 

The information below is applicable to all types of businesses, with information for specific businesses listed further down. This webpage is updated frequently. Check back soon for more tips and tools from the COVID Employer Support Task Force. 

National

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: updated strategies and recommendations for employers responding to COVID-19, including cleaning and disinfection, and a Resuming Business Toolkit and interim guidance for businesses and employers responding to COVID-19. 
• U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA): information on how to protect workers from potential exposures, according to their exposure risk. Information on interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposure to and infection with COVID-19. 

State

• Safe Start Webpage: general information about Washington’s Safe Start phased approach
• Resources and Recommendations (Washington State Department of Health (DOH)): safety and health guidance and resources.
• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I): general guidance and resources for COVID-19 topics related to L&I. 

Tools and Resources

• COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers (Governor Inslee): find current guidelines and requirements for each business sector.
• Rebound and Recovery Toolkit (Association of Washington Businesses): includes Safe Start Plan templates, signage, and other resources.
• Washington State Safe Work Plan Template for Phase 3.
• Whatcom County Businesses Safe Start Guide (PDF).
• Masks and Face Covering Guidance from Washington State.
• What to Do If You Have Employees Who Are Ill With Symptoms or Confirmed COVID-19

Sector-specific Guidance