On April 23, 2020, the Public Health Advisory Board began the process to create a Task Force made up of community members representing a variety of employment sectors, from retail to agriculture. Task Force members will work with health department staff to develop a set of best practices and guidelines to ensure employers have measures in place to protect their employees, customers, and clients from the risk of infection with COVID-19. 

The Whatcom County COVID-19 Employer Support Task Force became official on Monday, May 11th. Over 140 people applied to serve on the Task Force, and all applicants have been selected to participate. 

A small group of Task Force members will help lead and coordinate peer- and association-led discussion groups. These discussion groups will meet to develop guidance for specific industries with the support of public health officials and follow the Washington Safe Start approach. The guidelines will then be presented to the Public Health Advisory Board, the County Council, and the public. The Task Force is expected to run for approximately two months. 

Visit the Public Health Advisory Board COVID-19 Employer Support Task Force webpage to stay up to date on their work.